Former Wake schools' chief gets new job

Burns will take over in January.

Burns is expected to be in the position for about six months while the board searches for a new superintendent, Simpson said. It is unclear if Burns plans to apply for the job on a permanent basis.

Simpson said Burns was a good choice because he had recent experience leading a school system and working with budgets.

Burns led the Wake County school system for four years. He resigned in February when the school board moved from a diversity-based student assignment plan to a community-based model.