MALDEN — State education officials Tuesday set an ambitious goal of selecting a new commissioner of elementary and secondary education by the end of December.

Paul Sagan, chairman of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, said he expects there will be strong interest in the position.

But he added the prevailing candidate might not be able to start the job right away, noting that many educators nationwide are contractually committed to their current positions until the end of the upcoming school year.

“I’m optimistic we will have a good pool,’’ Sagan told board members during a special meeting. “People perceive this as a great job, one of the best in the country.’’

The state board is looking for a new leader to replace Mitchell Chester, who died unexpectedly in June after battling cancer.

Jeff Wulfson, who is serving as acting commissioner, said he is not interested in the job permanently. (The board Tuesday gave Wulfson a 10 percent pay raise for taking on the new role, elevating his annual salary to $184,827.)

Sagan said the education department plans to begin soliciting bids this week for a search firm to help with the selection process. He also said a small advisory group would be appointed.

Margaret McKenna, a board member and former chair, urged Sagan to choose a search firm with a track record of recruiting a diverse pool of candidates.

“I would be concerned about a firm that just goes to the Rolodex and only looks at very traditional candidates,’’ McKenna said. “You want a firm that looks broadly and has been successful in bringing forward diverse candidates.’’

James Morton, the board’s vice chair, advised against racing through the search, emphasizing the quality of the candidates was more important.

“We should get the right candidates,’’ he said.

Sagan agreed.

The names of the initial pool of candidates would be kept confidential, but the finalists would be publicly named and interviewed as required under state law, Sagan said.

While the state board oversees the search, it has the power only to recommend a new commissioner. Education Secretary James Peyser, who was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker, a Republican, makes the final decision.

However, Peyser can only approve a candidate who has the support of two-thirds of the 11-member education board. That means if Peyser rejects a recommendation, the board would need to recommend another candidate for approval.

Sagan said it would be odd for Peyser to go against the recommendation of the board, given that Peyser also sits on the state board and would be voting on the recommendation as well.

The state board is appointed by the governor, but over half the members were appointed by former governor Deval Patrick, a Democrat.

James Vaznis can be reached at james.vaznis@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globevaznis.