Today the Murphy Administration and the New Jersey Department of Education confirmed that Acting Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan will retire effective February 2024. NJER published the breaking news on Friday, although sources at the time said her retirement would be in January.

This morning the New Jersey State Board of Education received an email from Acting Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan (see below) and, when queried, the Governor’s Office released this statement on behalf of Gov. Phil Murphy:

“After nearly three decades of service as a New Jersey educator, Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan took the helm of the New Jersey Department of Education in October 2020, leading the Department for over three years during incredibly challenging times for our schools. As Dr. Allen-McMillian has announced her retirement at the end of January, I want to take this opportunity to thank her for her service to the people of New Jersey and wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter.”

Here is Allen-McMillan’s email:

On behalf of Acting Commissioner Allen-McMillan

Dear State Board of Education:

I am excited to announce that effective February 1, 2024, I will be retiring.  Throughout my career as a substitute teacher, teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, chief school administrator, and executive county superintendent, I have served with passion, purpose, and poise.  Capping my vocation with the privilege of serving as Commissioner of Education for the last 3+ years has been one of the most rewarding professional accomplishments and experiences of my career. It truly represents the pinnacle of my 28 years in education, a journey and labor of love.  However, since the passing of my mother this fall, I have taken the time to reflect with my husband and family on that career and its place in the larger tapestry of my life.  That reflection has led me to this decision to boldly look forward to the next chapter of life knowing that the future of our great state’s education system remains in great hands with all of you. 

With gratitude,    

Angelica Allen-McMillan, Ed.D.

Acting Commissioner

[photo credit] Governor Phil Murphy Facebook, Oct. 20, 2020, LIVE video