APEX — Gov. Pat McCrory said a new office in his administration will evaluate the best ways that North Carolina students and teachers can be protected so school districts can respond to real and potential dangers.

McCrory visited an Apex school Tuesday to unveil the N.C. Center for Safer Schools being housed in the Department of Public Safety. The Republican governor says government has a responsibility to ensure faculty and students are safe and parents have peace of mind when their children go to school.

Public Safety Secretary Kieran Shanahan said the center will hold town hall meetings to get ideas. He said it also will examine mental health issues and what role guns could have in improving safety.

McCrory's budget proposal Wednesday will include money for the center.