RALEIGH, N.C. – Gov. Roy Cooper made a rare appearance at the state Board of Education meeting in Raleigh Thursday morning where he urged leaders to invest more in education, calling it a non-partisan point.

• Gov. Roy Cooper visited the Board of Education Thursday.
• He called for both sides of the aisle to work together.
• Cooper urged for students have access to quality mental health care.

His main call to action was for leaders to make decisions that benefit all of North Carolina's students.

"No matter where they live, no matter the race, no matter the socioeconomic status, if we do this right, education can be an opportunity for everyone," said Cooper.

The governor spoke about the need to attract and retain quality teachers and the need to keep kids safe in schools.

"Tax payers spend a lot on public education, so we need principals, teachers and students to be accountable,” said Cooper.

Cooper urged education leaders to do everything they can to put aside turf battles and party lines for the sake of the classroom.

"I want a North Carolina where people are better educated, where they're healthier, where they're able to live a more abundant life. That's it," said Cooper.

NC Public Schools Superintendent Mark Johnson agrees.

"I loved hearing him [Cooper] talk about something that's been a priority for us. That not every student needs to go to a four year college to be a success,” said Johnson. “They should have the opportunity and be ready, but there are so many jobs and the economy is doing so well in North Carolina, there are plenty of other opportunities."

Another topic the governor emphasized was the need for students to have access to quality mental healthcare.

He believes this could help prevent a tragedy.