TRENTON, NJ – Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced the nomination of Lily Laux to serve as New Jersey’s next Commissioner of Education, selecting a career educator and policy leader with nearly two decades of experience in teaching, nonprofit work, and state-level education administration.
Laux, who previously served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency, will lead efforts to strengthen literacy outcomes, expand access to pre-K, improve mental health resources, and modernize the state’s school funding formula. Her appointment comes as part of the Sherrill-Caldwell administration’s broader plan to ensure educational equity and opportunity across all New Jersey school districts.
“Lily Laux is a lifelong public servant and educator with decades of experience helping children learn and thrive,” said Sherrill. “I look forward to working with her to invest in mental health services, high-impact tutoring, and programs that will expand opportunity and help our children get ahead.”
Lieutenant Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell praised the selection, calling education “the key to a fair society” and describing Laux as “the experienced leader we need to deliver for our students.”
In response, Laux said she was honored by the nomination and committed to ensuring every student in the state has access to an outstanding education. “Our responsibility is clear: ensure every student statewide has access to an outstanding education,” Laux said. “A high-quality education not only opens doors but inspires young people to pursue their dreams.”
The New Jersey Education Association also welcomed the nomination, saying it looked forward to collaborating with Laux and ensuring educators have a strong voice in shaping statewide policy.
Currently a principal at ILO Group, Laux works with state agencies and districts nationwide to implement major education priorities. During her tenure in Texas, she oversaw major reforms including school finance modernization, teacher training in early literacy, and expanded college and career readiness programs that increased dual-degree high school graduates fourfold.
Laux began her career as a middle school teacher in Memphis, Tennessee, and has since held leadership roles in education nonprofits and government agencies. She holds degrees from Columbia University, the University of Memphis, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill nominated veteran educator Lily Laux to lead New Jersey’s Department of Education, signaling a focus on equity, literacy, and student opportunity statewide.
