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RALEIGH – The Wake County School's next superintendent held his first news conference Friday afternoon.

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Tony Tata spoke with the media for about 30 minutes before going into a closed door meeting with the school board.

News 14 Carolina reporter Heather Moore has more on what Tata had to say below.

Tata fielded some tough questions from the media at the news conference. Including questions about his political views and about his political background and his future role with Wake County Schools.

Tata said his primarily focus will be student achievement. He believes neighborhood schools work, which is what Wake County is moving toward.

Tata also said even though he was hired by the conservative school board majority, he is not going to be their "yes" man.

"I am going to be my own man," said Tata. "I am going to make my own decisions and make recommendations. I will make them based on what the teachers and the principals are telling me."

Tata will remain in Raleigh through Saturday so he can meet with leaders from the African-American community.

His first day on the job will be Jan. 31.

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