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GREENSBORO — Former Gov. Jim Hunt wore his "Vote Yes for Kids" badge with pride today as he asked Guilford County voters to support $457 million in school construction bonds on Tuesday.

"Folks, it's hard to have good jobs these days," said Hunt, speaking at a press conference at Allen Middle School. "And the best way to have good jobs is to have good schools."

The Bonds for Schools Committee invited Hunt about a week ago to speak in support of the bonds, said coordinator Anita Bachmann. The grassroots pro-bond group has received endorsements from numerous individuals, businesses and civic organizations, but Hunt is the most high-profile supporter so far, she said. The event was attended by local elected officials, school adminstrators and Allen students.

"For a former governor to come back and spend the time talking to them (Allen students) helps to let them know they are important and valued in our future," Bachmann said.

Hunt, who was born in Greensboro, served four terms as North Carolina governor and is best known for his education initiatives, including the Smart Start program for pre-kindergarten students. Hunt also was instrumental in motivating FedEx to build in Greensboro a delivery hub, which is scheduled to open in 2009. He now serves as chairman of the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy, which holds conferences in Chapel Hill for educators and government officials.

Hunt said Wednesday that the quality of Guilford County Schools will factor into the decisions of businesses to move to the area.

"They are not just going to automatically come here because of the hub," Hunt said. "They are going to look over Guilford County and decide if the schools are good enough to move their people here."

Contact Morgan Josey Glover at 373-7078 or morgan.josey@news-record.com