Ed Richardson, former state superintendent of education, will return to his old job for at least a short period of time.

The state Board of Education made the appointment of Richardson as interim superintendent Thursday, after accepting the resignation of Michael Sentance. Sentance, who had been under fire, will receive $78,000 in annual pay and health insurance benefits.

Richardson served as superintendent of the Alabama’s public schools from 1995 until 2004. Prior to that, he was superintendent of Auburn City Schools, and was once principal of Andalusia High School.

At present, Richardson chairs the Alabama Public Charter School Commission. The board did not set a process or timeline for hiring a permanent superintendent.