The Kansas State Board of Education has decided to suspend its search for a new education commissioner.

In a statement, board members said they were satisfied with the job interim commissioner Diane DeBacker has done since she took over last year for Alexa Posny.

“The board is obviously very concerned about the cuts that have been made to the department, and we felt this would be a way to ease the financial strain,” said board chairman Janet Waugh. “However, we also feel we are making positive progress with Dr. DeBacker serving as interim.”

Due to the recession, the state is in a fiscal crisis as less revenue continues to come in to state coffers.

DeBacker will also continue to serve as the state education department’s deputy commissioner of the division of learning services. Posny resigned in October after she was confirmed for a post at the U.S. Department of Education.

Board members Tuesday evening voted 10-0 to suspend their search. They had been actively recruiting candidates for a new commissioner, with assistance of the National Association of State Boards of Education. Interviews were scheduled to begin next month.