Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s nominating Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan to be the state’s next education commissioner.
The appointment comes as the state's more than 600 school districts work through the COVID-19 outbreak, with many holding online-only or hybrid lessons.
Allen-McMillan currently serves as the superintendent of Morris County schools. She will succeed Lamont Repollet, who announced his plan to leave over the summer to take the top post at Kean University.
Kevin Dehmer has been serving as interim commissioner since Repollet’s departure.
"I stand here today because my parents believed in a stronger and fairer New Jersey. They moved here from Washington to pursue new career opportunities. As a result, I am a proud product of a New Jersey public school system,” Allen-McMillan said Tuesday.
It's up to the state Senate to approve Allen-McMillan's appointment.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.