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RALEIGH – Monday was Tony Tata's first day as superintendent of Wake County Public Schools

Tata was a brigadier general in the Army and spent a year and a half as the COO of the Washington, D.C. School System before being hired in Wake County. After a meeting with the school system's 163 principals, he spent the bulk of the day visiting teachers and sitting in on classes.

There are major issues ahead for Tata. Millions will have to be cut from the budget. Tata says he'll try to protect teachers.

"They're the ones that ensure student achievement, and so they are the ones that I want to protect from any ill effect of the budget discussions," he said. "Now can I promise that? No, of course not."

And, the controversial student assignment plan looms.

"I work for the school board and I'm going to execute whatever policy we come up with," Tata said. "But I'm certainly going to provide them my input."

School assignment was the hot topic as Tata sat down for lunch with students at Carnage Middle School.

"I really like my school and I'd rather stay here then go to my neighborhood school," said eighth grader Amanda Spandau.

The students said they appreciated the chance to voice their opinions to the new school leader.

Ajamu Dillahunt said, "I have good feelings that he'll make the school system better and I hope that he does and keep diversity in schools."

Tata visited Enloe Magnet High School, Carnage Middle School and Aversboro Elementary.

He'll be officially sworn in Tuesday at 4 p.m.