School Superintendent Announces Retirement

Tim McGonegal, Superintendant of the Manatee School District, disclosed that he will retire, effective Feb. 28, for personal reasons.

The announcement was unexpected. McGonegal has been the schools chief for just three years.

His departure will take place after the school district starts planning for the next budget year. The schools budget for 2013 is expected to be approved this month, and the superintendent's role in the process is critical.

McGonegal joined the Manatee County School District in January 2002 as Assistant Director of Finance. He was named Director of Finance in June 2004 and promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Business Services in February 2005.

McGonegal replaced Dr. Roger Dearing, who served as Superintendent in Manatee County from 2003 to 2009. Dearing left Manatee County to become the Executive Director of the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Prior to Manatee County, McGonegal worked for the School Board of Highlands County from February 1986 to January 2002.

He started in Highlands County as a Coordinator of Finance and advanced to become the Director of Business Operations.

Stay with Patch for more details on his decision.