(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue and leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have reached an agreement that would add live dealers to the casino operated by the Cherokee in western North Carolina.  The agreement would also send a share of the revenue to local school districts.

“My top priorities are strengthening our schools and creating jobs, and this agreement does both,” said Gov. Perdue. “This will mean additional dollars going directly to school districts, and it will provide an economic boost for western North Carolina."

"This agreement further demonstrates the Cherokees’ commitment to educating our young people through the education funding initiative," said Cherokee Principal Chief Michell Hicks.

The 30-year compact would create 400 news jobs and has the support of the North Carolina School Board Association.  The General Assembly would still have to approve the deal, then it would go on to the U.S. Department of the Interior for consideration.