(RALEIGH) -- In an address to the state Board of Education on Thursday morning, Gov. Beverly Perdue told board members that protecting education is a top priority in her administration. She told board members they also have a duty to help students.

"I need for you to hear me, the State Board (of Education) has a responsibility to insure that every child in North Carolina has a great teacher and that every school has a great principal.  That's the most important thing you can do as the State Board of Education.  Children deserve this," said Perdue.

The governor said another priority is to keep lawmakers from stripping the education budget to the bare bones.