The Hillsborough County School Board has voted to offer Deputy Superintendent Jeff Eakins a contract to be the district's new Superintendent.

"That's the path that I'm on at this point. I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited. I'm excited just to be able to know that I can go in each day and I can serve the students of this district," said Eakins.

The 4-3 decision came after a lengthy debate about whether to offer Eakins the job or conduct a national search.

Several board members said they felt they owed it to the public to consider all the candidates who might be available.

"If you want to call it a "dog and pony show", we could also call it a "done deal" for those who think we shouldn't look beyond where we are today," said Doretha Edgecomb.

She added that she felt it would be the "most ethical thing to do" to conduct a search.

Others said a potentially length search process would be "a waste of time and money."

They said Eakins, who's already working for the district, knows what the district needs and is the best choice for the job.

"The point is we already have a superior candidate right in front of us. Just because he's already sitting here doesn't mean he shouldn't be considered," said Cindy Stuart.

Eakins and the school board attorney will now start the negotiation process to determine a length for the contract and a salary.

"You know, leaders are made for moments in time and I'm going to accept this moment in time," said Eakins.

Once the negotiation process is complete, the contract will be presented to the school board for its approval.

If everything goes as planned, the contract would start July 1.