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RALEIGH – Since the sudden resignation of Wake County schools' superintendent Del Burns and his subsequent explanation, there's been both praise and criticism from the public.

Burns explained that philosophical differences with new school board members, along with partisan politics, led to his resignation.

"I think he showed respect for them by being honest, being forthcoming, not working behind their back, and he offered to work with them to make the transition smooth," Yevonne Brannon, with the Great Schools in Wake Coalition, said.

"I thought it was inappropriate, some of the comments he made at that time," Kristen Stocking, with the Wake Schools Community Alliance, said. "Having worked for a number of larger and smaller organizations, it's just something I wouldn't have chosen to do at that time, especially since he had a timetable laid out for himself."

The debate has continued online, with blog posts calling for Burns' immediate removal, along with Facebook groups supporting his staying.

"You're seeing groups like John Locke come into this particular controversy," political analyst David McLennan said. "You're seeing citizens' groups form around ideology."

But some of the groups are hoping to move beyond the "us versus them" mentality.

"We need some time in this community to really hear some of the board majority's thoughts, to really vet their plans, to really have input and I think all the groups that have supported the school boards in the past and presently need to be a part of that discussion," Brannon said.

"This needs to be an open dialogue and we all need to be come out of our corners, if you will, and come to the table and sit down over coffee and let's talk about our fear and make some progress," Stocking said.

Some new members of the school board have questioned their ability to continue working with Burns even though he says he will stay on until the end of June. The board will hold a special meeting Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Leesville High School, right before a public hearing about calendar options.

It will be closed to the public because it's about personnel issues.

The school board attorney has also requested the full interview with Burns from News 14 Carolina and other media outlets.