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Perdue: Education equates to a good economy

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An old operating room has been transformed into a classroom for students to gain hands-on learning. An old operating room has been transformed into a classroom for students to gain hands-on learning.
Perdue heard from teachers, assistants and principals on their needs and the needs of their students. Perdue heard from teachers, assistants and principals on their needs and the needs of their students.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Governor Beverly Perdue was in Wilmington Thursday to talk about investing in education. It was her first trip to southeastern North Carolina since her recent announcement that she will not seek reelection as governor.

Perdue heard from teachers, assistants and principals on their needs and the needs of their students. The governor believes classrooms are one of the state's strongest tools.

"Education is critical because it equates to a good economy," explained Perdue. "That's the kind of workforce you have to have, and it's the only way companies will continue to come to this area."

Perdue kept it simple Thursday, saying every student should have the right and opportunity to a basic education, but feedback from school officials and staff show they are in need of help of accomplishing that goal.

"That's why I'm supporting the three quarters of a cents sales tax and that's why I believe the people in North Carolina will step up," said Perdue.

Teachers believe a lack of resources and decline in salaries have taken a toll on the school system, and Perdue agrees.

"These are human resources needs," said Perdue. "If you're really a wonderful educator you're going to go to the state that rewards quality."

Perdue believes if you can keep kids in school, you'll be able to make a difference in the economy of New Hanover County and southeastern North Carolina.

While in town, Perdue visited Cape Fear Community College students at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. An old operating room has been transformed into a classroom for students to gain hands-on learning.

Perdue said training like this is vital to getting students to become professionals and to hopefully live and work in this career field later on in life.

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