CUMBERLAND — The Allegany County public school system has put together a heartfelt tribute to the late Jane Dawson on its Web site.

But the process to replace Dawson, who died Friday at the age of 76 of cancer, already is being discussed.

Dawson served as board president since January and was in the middle of a second, four-year term. State code guides the process by which her replacement will be named.

Ultimately, Gov. Martin O’Malley will make the appointment for Dawson’s replacement based upon the recommendation of state Secretary of Appointments Jeanne D. Hitchcock.

The replacement will serve the remainder of Dawson’s current term, which expires December 2010.

Board member Tom Striplin, who was appointed in May 2004 by then-Governor Robert Ehrlich after Dennis Albright resigned, said his process took about 60 days from the time he submitted a letter of interest and qualifications.

“The local board is not involved,” Striplin said. “It’s really up to the governor.”

Delegate Kevin Kelly said while it’s “the governor’s perogative,” he hopes O’Malley seeks input from the District 1 delegation.

Board member Jeff Metz said members of the local delegation made a recommendation but it was Ehrlich’s decision to make.

Replacing the position of president falls solely on the remaining four board members, Metz said.

The board is expected to vote to elevate Karen Treber, current vice president, to president and then elect a new vice president, Metz said.

He added that for the few meetings Dawson missed while ill, it was Treber who administered the twice-monthly board meetings.

It’s the same process when the board president is on vacation or otherwise absent, Metz said.

Metz said he and other board members haven’t given that much thought to the process, however. Instead, the focus has been on grieving, celebrating the memories and recognizing milestones that Dawson leaves behind.

Superintendent David Cox agreed. He said conversations since late Friday night have focused “on honoring Mrs. Dawson and her legacy that she leaves behind as being a champion for children.”

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at First Presbyterian Church on Washington Street. Pastor John Dillon will officiate. There is to be a one hour visitation at the church before the service begins.

Pallbearers will be Tom Striplin, Jeff Metz, Mark Harbaugh, Stephen Harbaugh, Mike Llewellyn, Bill Abbott, Adam Morgan and Robert Miller. Honorary pallbearer will be Enardo “Moose” Arnone.

Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.

Cox said the central office will close at 1 p.m. Twelve-month employees throughout the school system will be able to attend the service.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.