Current Deputy Superintendent Jeff Eakins was made the next superintendent by a 4-3 School Board vote tonight. Eakins will replace current superintendent MaryEllen Elia, who was terminated without cause by the school board in January.

Members Doretha Edgecomb, Carol Kurdell and Melissa Snively voted no on the appointment, while Cindy Stuart, Susan Valdes, April Griffin and Sally Harris voted yes.

Elia’s last day is June 30, although she will use her vacation time to fill out the remaining time in the school year after her last day in the office, which is this Thursday.

According to the school district, Eakins’s appointment to superintendent is dependent on contract negotiations, which have not yet taken place.

Eakins has been with the district since 1989 and was named the acting superintendent by Elia.

Jeff Eakins says "I've had a huge amount of support from the board, district employees and the community. And I thank everyone."

— Hillsborough Schools (@HillsboroughSch) March 4, 2015