MANATEE — David Gayler, retired superintendent of Charlotte County schools, has accepted the Manatee school district’s offer to serve as interim superintendent until a permanent superintendent can be found.

Gayler, who also served as assistant superintendent of Manatee County in 2001, will take on the role on Oct. 15 under conditions that will have to be approved by the school board, Chairman Harry Kinnan said. Gayler wants to end his service to the district on March 29 and he wants the ability to give 30 days notice if he decides to leave.

Board Chairman Harry Kinnan and School Board Attorney John Bowen met with Gayler on Thursday to discuss a timeframe and salary. Gayler will receive $171,000 salary during his time with the district, the same as former superintendent Tim McGonegal. McGonegal resigned early this month after announcing a $3.5 million deficit in the 2012-13 budget.

“He has the personal qualities to move this district forward, even while he’s interim.” Kinnan said. “I think he meets the standards that the board had in mind when they selected him as interim superintendent.”