FRANKLIN—The board of Franklin City Public Schools voted Thursday night to appoint Beverly Rabil as the district’s acting superintendent.

The district had been without a superintendent since Bill Pruett retired in September.

“I’m looking forward to working together as a team to move us down the path that we are on toward success,” Rabil said during a phone interview after the meeting, “and I’m honored to have been asked (to be the acting superintendent).”

The appointment is effective immediately. Rabil did not attend the school board meeting for the vote, which was 5-1.

Rabil added, “I believe in our students, I believe in our staff, and I believe in our school leaders. Together in this interim process we will continue to do good things, and I look forward to working with that team of people — teachers, administrators, and central office staff.”

The board also voted 5-1 to have Walter Clemons, the district’s assistant superintendent, serve as the acting superintendent in Rabil’s absence.

Mona Murphy, who represents Ward 4, dissented for both votes.

“It was my choice (to vote no),” Murphy said after the meeting. “It was the majority of the board’s choice (to appoint Rabil). “Let me just be frank with you right at this point. I’m not going to comment right now. I will be commenting, but not at this time.”

In addition to her new duties as acting superintendent, Rabil will continue her job as associate director of instruction.

The deadline for applications for the superintendent position is Oct. 31. The board plans to meet on Nov. 6 with Gina Patterson, the assistant executive director of the Virginia School Boards Association, to discuss any job applicants.

The board hopes to have a new superintendent by January.