Wake School Board Democrats Cite Tata's Style In Firing

Democratic leaders on the Wake County School Board say Tony Tata's leadership style led to his firing as superintendent. 

Gurnal Scott: Members of the Democratic majority gave some reasons for their vote in a news conference yesterday. But they declined to give specifics. Board chairman Kevin Hill pointed to what he says were operational failures.

Kevin Hill: We've had a disastrous start to the school year in implementation of our assignment plan beginning with the first week in July. We've had a mess with transportation.

Hill says he felt Tata's leadership style didn't inspire a give-and-take with employees. Board members will soon begin looking for the next superintendent. Vice chair Keith Sutton wants to see specific qualities.

Keith Sutton: Someone who has a solid educational background and credentials but also has a financial background as well that can run a billion dollar-plus enterprise.

Leaders hope to hire a new superintendent by next summer.