The Fayette County Public Schools Board voted 5-1 on May 16 to appoint Eddie Keel as interim superintendent and later approved paying him the same salary as Interim Superintendent Dr. Tameka D. Lewis.

Board Attorney Tom Minor told the board a formal vote was required to appoint a temporary interim director, citing guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education. Attorney Minor told the board that several year-end tasks—teacher contract renewals, third-grade retention, end-of-course grades, year-end scores, TCAP scores and EPLAN issues—must be handled by the Director of Schools before the school year ends.

Board Member Merrel Miller moved to appoint Eddie Keel as Interim Superintendent until Dr. Lewis returns or a permanent director is selected; the motion was seconded by Warner Speakman and carried on a 5-1 vote. The board recorded Yes votes from Miller, Rebecca Trimm, Warner Speakman, David Reeves and Hal Rounds; Myles Wilson voted No.

After that vote, Speakman moved that Keel be paid the same salary as Dr. Lewis; Miller seconded. That motion also passed 5-1 with the same roll call.

Attorney Minor recommended delaying any final superintendent appointment until Dr. Lewis has had an opportunity to interview for the permanent role. The minutes show Dr. Lewis will be transferred to her previous position until she returns from leave.

No further conditions or salary figures were recorded in the minutes; the specific salary amount was not specified in the meeting record.