IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Tim McGonegal

Occupation: Manatee County Public Schools Superintendent
Bio: Tim McGonegal was named Manatee County Public Schools’ superintendent in Nov. 2008.

East County resident Tim McGonegal has spent the past four years working to ensure the needs of one of the largest and most successful school districts in the state are met.

McGonegal, who began serving Manatee County Public Schools in June 2004, was named the Manatee County Public Schools’ superintendent in Nov. 2008, beating out three other finalists for the job.

McGonegal, who previously worked as the district’s assistant director of finance and assistant superintendent of business services, assumed the position following a 3-2 decision by the Manatee County School Board.

Prior to working for Manatee County Public Schools, McGonegal briefly worked as the owner of a family-owned fuel site and convenience store. He also spent four years serving as the director of business/operations for the School Board of Highlands County, starting his career there in 1986 as the coordinator of finance. Finally, McGonegal spent four years working as a senior public accounts auditor for the state of Florida’s Office of the Auditor General.

On June 11, the Manatee County School Board voted 4-1 to extend McGonegal’s $170,000 annual contract to 2014.