Vineland Schools Boss Picked to Fix Camden School District

Congratulations to Alfonso Q. Llano Jr., the superintendent of Vineland Public Schools, who was announced on Wednesday as the new state-appointed superintendent to oversee the Camden school system.

Llano was selected after a national search that began in June. He will begin heading the troubled South Jersey school system starting March 1.

Llano inherits a district with declining enrollment — it currently has about 5,532 students — low test scores, and a high dropout rate, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Davida Coe-Brockington, a longtime educator and administrator in Camden, was appointed to lead the district on an interim basis in July 2025, after Katrina McCombs resigned to take a position with the NJDOE.

Outgoing Vineland Schools' Chief Has Record of Success

Alfonso Q. Llano Jr. was recommended to helm the Camden school district by the NJDOE, officials said.

“Mr. Llano’s distinguished career and proven leadership uniquely position him to guide Camden’s schools into their next chapter of success,” said NJDOE Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.

“For more than 27 years, he has advanced academic performance, expanded opportunities for all learners, and built systems that support students, families, and educators.”

Llano previously served as the acting superintendent of Trenton public schools before joining the Vineland school district in 2021.

He has held several different leadership roles throughout his career.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve the Camden City School District,” Llano said. “Together, we’re going to work through transparency and tough times. We’re going to achieve great things.”

Llano will receive an annual salary of $260,000 under a three-year contract.

In Vineland, he was the highest-paid superintendent in Cumberland County with an annual base salary of $206,000.

Llano will be the first Hispanic superintendent to lead the district. Demographics in Camden have shifted in recent years, and 56% of its traditional public school students are now Hispanic, according to NJ.com.