Burns remains Wake schools chief, for now

Raleigh, N.C. — It appears Del Burns will stay on as the superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, for now.

School board Chairman Ron Margiotta said Tuesday that the board took no action regarding Burns' contract, despite two hours of discussions behind closed doors.

The discussion isn't over, though, Margiotta said.

In several interviews last month, Burns, who announced he's resigning June 30, criticized the board's new majority and expressed concern about the direction of the school system's future

He also accused the board of "partisan political gamesmanship" and said ending the school system's decade-old diversity policy would segregate rich schools and poor schools in the school system.

Almost immediately, two local groups called on the school board to replace Burns, and members of the board's new majority expressed concern about whether they could continue to work with him.

"I'm still at the table, still working," Burns said Tuesday during a break from the school boards Committee of the Whole meeting. "Let's leave it at that."

Burns announced his resignation Feb. 16, saying that he doesn't agree with some of the changes the board's new majority has made and wants to make.

Implementing the changes, Burns said, would go against his principles and beliefs.

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Latest Comments

ncsqrl - I don't think you can see the FB comments. WRAL had an interview with Tedesco last night where he talked about his comments and how he just had a bad day. It may have just been another ploy to get media time, who knows with that guy? Either way, those types of comments do nto need to be publicized to a community already in turmoil with all this stuff.

Remy
March 3, 2010 4:10 p.m.

SNOWDAYS... how do we see his comments on FB? i went there but didnt see anything (on 4wakekids).

ncsqrl
March 3, 2010 1:52 p.m.

If Burns continues to collect a paycheck then he should serve out his term. Max pain. As far as schools being segregated, come on folks. People segregate themselves even if they're stuffed in the same room. It's natural to hang with like-minded people. There are always exceptions to the rule but for the most part segregation exists before school, during school and then after school. And if the President is appropriating $4B to fund a program to address the huge high-school dropout rate, what good has all the social engineering done to this point? What is the true objective of these so-called diversity folks? Hiding failing schools? It's certainly not money. Look at your tax bill.

JaySee
March 3, 2010 1:21 p.m.

I am not sure Tedesco could run a lemonade stand. It is a shame when apathy gets a guy who is in over his head elected. He has obviously started to crack under the pressure judging by his facebook comments.

Smiley30
March 3, 2010 12:53 p.m.

Even if they release him from his contract now-- the county would only save the amount of local supplement. The bulk of his salary is state funded. If he left it wouldnt put that money in their pocket to use for something else. Funds for salarys cannot be used for supplies. Before you make wild suggestions-- learn where the money comes from.

superman
March 3, 2010 12:04 p.m.