MANATEE -- David Gayler on Monday will take the oath of office and officially begin work as the Manatee County School District's interim superintendent.

Gayler, a retired superintendent in Charlotte County, replaces Assistant Superintendent Robert Gagnon, who had been running the district since Sept. 10, when former superintendent Tim McGonegal resigned after he revealed a surprise $3.4 million deficit in the school district budget.

Last week, the school board approved a contract with Gayler that will keep in the position through late March. He will earn $16,392 per month.

Meanwhile, the board has started the process of hiring a permanent superintendent.

Gayler will take his oath of office during a special school board meeting starting at 10 a.m. at school district headquarters on Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton.