ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — The Roanoke Rapids School board on Tuesday night defeated a resolution to support a state-run lottery.

The board was tied 4-4 on the issue. But, the chairman voted against the resolution, defeating the measure for now.

Nevertheless, some board members hope their meeting will push state lawmakers to approve a state lottery benefiting schools.

Many older schools in the Roanoke Rapids area are in need of costly repairs, some even need to be replaced. As a result, some school leaders have been looking to Virginia for an idea of how to pay for school improvements.

Virginia uses its lottery to fund educational projects. Proponents of a North Carolina lottery believe it would be a big win for the state's education system.

"I will honestly say that all nine members are committed to what's doing best for children," Roanoke Rapids school board member Vernon Bryant said prior to Tuesday's vote.

Currently, 39 states have a lottery, including five states close to North Carolina -- Kentucky, Tennesee, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.

Only New York, Michigan, Missouri, and Vermont set aside 100 percent of their lottery gains for public education.