This document identifies violence as a major problem in North Carolina public schools, with thousands of students and staff victimized every year. In 1994, 6,937 criminal incidents were reported to the State Board of Education; 6,897 students were involved in incidents on school property as offenders and 1,447 students were victimized. Additionally, 815 staff members were reported as victims. The governor has implemented programs involving schools and communities to help curb the problem. The state legislature has passed stricter laws and regulations to protect children and teachers from school violence. At the direction of the governor of North Carolina, a prevention center designed for task forces to study and develop ways to prevent crime in schools has been opened. A public awareness campaign is in place to convince students of the hurt that violence causes. One solution identified as important was the use of an 800 number to seek information on how to curb violence in communities and schools. (JAG)