The Illinois State Board of Education is moving forward with its timeline to name a new superintendent by the beginning of February.

Let's hope the uncertainty over who the next governor will be does not dissuade good candidates from applying for the job.

The current superintendent, Randy Dunn, is leaving to become president of Murray State University in Kentucky, but agreed to stay through the November election.

But that still leaves little time for the winner of the November election to be involved in the selection process for the new superintendent, unless the winner is incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The next governor will have the authority to appoint a majority of the members of the board - just as Blagojevich has. But, as a practical matter, there will not be enough time to select new members and have the appointments confirmed by the state Senate.

Less than two months will elapse between the time the next governor takes office and when the board expects to name a superintendent.

It's not that the governor should handpick the superintendent. However, they need to be on the same page, so to speak, for education to move forward in Illinois.

Otherwise, there is too much blame and buck-passing.

That's one reason why the Legislature changed the appointment process for the board so the governor would have more influence in the makeup of the State Board of Education.

For many voters, education policy will be a key factor in their selection of a governor.

To institute that policy, the governor will need to work closely with the State Board of Education and the superintendent.

It's not just a matter of power; it's a matter of taking responsibility.

Why the rush?

Dunn agreed to stay until December. His interim replacement will be Christopher Koch, who has been on the State Board of Education's staff for a dozen years. Short-term stability is assured.

As the board and its search firm review applications for the post, they should consider whether extending the selection window a few months would yield better results.