SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Board of Education could pick an interim state superintendent today.

The move comes after schools chief Randy Dunn agreed to take the helm at Murray State University in December.

"Nothing is definite," said state board spokeswoman Meta Minton about the likelihood of picking a replacement at today's special meeting.

However, an interim superintendent, who would start in December, may not sit long. The board expects to pick a permanent replacement by Feb. 28. The selection is further muddied by the upcoming general election.

If state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka wins, she has the right to remove board members appointed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. In 2004, lawmakers gave the governor more power to appoint state board of education members.

The changes came after Blagojevich expressed frustration that he had little control over the state board and the state superintendent, all of whom were appointed by his Republican predecessor.

Topinka raised concerns about the search process that will begin this month.

"I don't think its fair, right, just or proper for anyone at the end of their term to start doing these midnight appointments," said Topinka. "An interim superintendent is probably OK because we need to have somebody at the helm so business can be conducted, but certainly nothing permanent."

State board Chairman Jesse Ruiz, a Blagojevich appointee, has defended the process, arguing the board will work with whoever wins the November election.

The state board has hired the search firm of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates to find a permanent replacement. Board interviews with candidates are tentatively slated for February with a final decision being made Feb. 28.

Dunn was appointed as the interim superintendent in September 2004. In August 2005, he was picked to continue as superintendent until January 2007. Before coming to the state board, Dunn ran the Department of Education Administration and Higher Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@lee.net or 789-0865.