PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island’s education commissioner has made an offer to a candidate to become the superintendent of Providence public schools during the state overhaul.

An education department spokeswoman told the Providence Journal on Tuesday that should that candidate not accept the position, Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green has been speaking with others.

No names were disclosed.

Infante-Green had planned to hire a new superintendent by Friday when the state takeover of Providence schools officially begins. The takeover gives Infante-Green sweeping authority over everything from budgets to hiring.

Interim Superintendent Frances Gallo has agreed to stay until early next year, but her job is limited by retirement regulations to 90 days a year unless she is willing to forgo her pension.

A news conference is scheduled for Friday.