Temporary Head of State Education Board Chosen

Jeanine Blomberg - the current chief staff for the department - was approved as the interim education commissioner.

But the board also agreed to conduct a national search to replace retiring Education Commissioner John Winn.

Board chairman Willard Fair:

FAIR: This position is important enough to the future of the state. Everybody has some buy-in to the process, and that's why in the selection process, we want to make sure that the governor - or a representative from his office - have an opportunity to participate.

The hiring plan gives Gov. Charlie Crist an opportunity to participate, but only in reference checks and interviews of candidates. Crist held the job from 2001-2003, when it was an elected position.

The board, though, has sole authority to hire the new commissioner.