Charlotte County's Former Schools Chief Offered Interim Role in Manatee

The School Board of Manatee County has extended a contract offer to David Gayler, former Superintendent of Schools for Charlotte County, to serve as the interim Superintendent for the Manatee County School District while it searches for a permanent replacement. 

Gayler will earn about $171,000 a year to serve as interim superintendent. He replaces Tim McGonegal, who resigned after informing the district about a deficit from costs for text books and some teaching positions left out of the budget.

School Board Chairman Harry Kinnan and School Board Attorney John Bowen met with Gayler on Thursday to offer him the interim superintendent position after the board voted unanimously to offer him the job.

Robert Gagnon, who was named an assistant superintendent just six months ago, is currently serving as the interim superintendent of schools. If the school board agrees to Gayler's terms, Gagnon will return to his assistant superintendent position.

Gayler served as Superintendent of Charlotte County Schools from May 2002 until January 2011.

He served as an Assistant Superintendent in Manatee County from July 2001 until May 2002, and as an Assistant Superintendent in Indian River County from 1995 to 1998.

Gayler told Kinnan and Bowen that his earliest available start date will be Oct. 15.

He also said that he will not be able to serve beyond March 29 because he has other committments. He also said he will require 30 days' written notice if his position is to end before March 29.

The terms will be brought before the full school board for approval.

Gayler has a Ph.D., in Educational Policy/Administration from the University of Kansas, a Masters of Education/Special Education from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Florida.