By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - It's past a 90-day deadline, but county commissioners and the governor's office say they are close to appointing a board of directors for the future Warren County community college.

Gov. Bob Taft approved June 26 a two-year pilot program to bring college classes to the county's existing classrooms as part of the $48.8 billion state budget. The next step was to select the nine-member board of directors, who will ultimately develop a proposal for a community college.

More than 60 people showed interest, but only 31 people applied for a spot on the board, said County Commissioner Pat South, who's on the nominating committee.

The commissioners are expected to name their six appointees next week. The governor's office will name the other three board members.

A community college in Warren County has been discussed for more than two years. It's the largest county by population without a physical public college or university campus within its borders, according to the state regents board.

Candidates for the board of directors are being judged on their career background and interest in higher education.

The nominating committee also is looking for representatives from different geographic areas of the county.

During the pilot, the Warren County Career Center will contract with colleges and universities to bring college-level courses to the center and area high schools in the county. Classes are expected to start next year.

Taft spokesman Orest Holubec said it is "not unusual" for these deadlines to be missed.

"The governor is hopeful it will be done shortly," Holubec said.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com