After accepting a separation agreement with its former superintendent, DeKalb County has named an interim schools chief.

The DeKalb County School Board voted Friday to name former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond as interim schools superintendent. The vote came after the board and former Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson finalized a mutual separation agreement.

The agreement requires the district to pay Atkinson more than $114,500 over the next five months. Atkinson is also required to participate in any legal matters related to her tenure as superintendent.

Thurmond is set to take leadership of the district as school board members try to correct issues that landed it on probation through the end of 2013.

Among other issues, an accreditation agency found evidence of fiscal mismanagement and unethical practices.

Tags: Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County schools, DeKalb County school board