Credit: (Hannah Gross/NJ Spotlight News)With the start of a new year, change has come to education leadership in New Jersey.
Two new members were sworn in to the State Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Wednesday, bringing the first new voices to the board since 2018. Their first meeting coincided with acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan’s last meeting before her retirement on Feb. 1. With more additions to the board possible and over a dozen open positions in the Education Department, this could be just the beginning of more changes to come.
“How exciting for us to have new perspectives on the board. With your vast experience, I know our board is in good hands,” Allen-McMillan said.
Mary Bennett of Irvington and Jeanette Peña of Union City took their oaths of office in front of a full audience at the board’s monthly meeting.
New board members’ background
Bennett serves as a teaching and learning mentor at Montclair State University. She is a former student, teacher and principal in Newark schools.
“I will serve with sincerity, professionalism and utilize my five decades of experience that I bring to this role on behalf of all of the children in the public schools in the state of New Jersey,” Bennett said.
Credit: (Hannah Gross/NJ Spotlight News)Peña is the educational director of special education and organizational accountability with the Union City Board of Education. She is also a trained school psychologist and former president of the Union City Board of Education.
Bennett and Peña were confirmed by the state Senate during its lame-duck session and officially joined the board Wednesday. Gov. Phil Murphy’s four other nominees did not gain Senate approval during the last legislative session. The governor will need to renominate them or nominate other people for the open positions.
The State Board of Education is a 13-member body tasked with adopting the administrative code, which sets the rules for implementing education law. Aside from Bennett and Peña, all the members of the board are currently sitting in expired seats. They have been in their positions since former Gov. Chris Christie’s administration or earlier.
Bennett replaced board member Mary Beth Gazi. Her term expires in June 2024. Peña replaced Ernest Lepore, who retired from the board in 2022, leaving the seat vacant. Her term expires in June 2028.
Pandemic and recovery
At the next meeting, there will likely be another new face at the table to replace Allen-McMillan, who is retiring at the end of the month. She served for over three years, leading the state’s public schools through much of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent recovery efforts.
“I’m most proud of the progress of this agency to effectively respond to a public health emergency in ways previously unimagined while simultaneously innovating in each of the seven divisions created with the support of this State Board of Education,” Allen-McMillan said.
Credit: (Hannah Gross/NJ Spotlight News)The commissioner noted her role in reopening schools, countering learning loss, enhancing mental health support and expanding access to preschool.
“We are proof that civility exists, and common ground can be achieved if we remain open to listening and learning from one another,” Allen-McMillan said.
The board of passed a ceremonial resolution congratulating the acting commissioner on her achievements and retirement.
“Thank you so much for all you’ve done for students, teachers and families in New Jersey. You led during one of the most trying times for our country. You did it with grit, grace and persistence, and we appreciate you,” board member Fatimah Burnam-Watkins said.
Murphy is yet to nominate a new education commissioner.
