Board tables request to remove reverter clause on O'Neble School property

Mayor Guadalaju told the McComb School District Board of Trustees that the city is seeking removal of a deed restriction on the O'Neble School property at 1025 Posit Place so the Boys and Girls Club can make improvements.

The property, Mayor Guadalaju said, was deeded by the school board to the city in 1988 and includes a reverter clause requiring that the site be used for a public purpose or return to the board of trustees. "What I come to talk to you about is what is known as the O'Neble School property. The physical location is 1025 Posit Place, Macomb, Mississippi," the mayor said, and explained the parcel identification information and that a metal building previously used by the Boys and Girls Club sits on the site.

Board members said they could not act immediately because they needed confirmation that the district and city attorneys had exchanged documents and reviewed the deed. One trustee moved to remove the reverter clause "under the conditions that the attorneys have looked at it," and another offered a substitute motion to table the item until counsel had confirmed communication and reviewed the paperwork. Trustees agreed to table the matter so the district attorney and the city attorney can examine the deed and confer.

Why it matters: trustees and staff said the Boys and Girls Club cannot proceed with planned improvements while the reverter clause remains in place, so removing or modifying the clause could enable the nonprofit to invest in the building. Board members repeatedly stressed that legal review is required because state statutes and deed language can limit the district's ability to change prior conveyances.

What the board asked for: trustees directed staff to obtain and circulate the deed, any attachments or exhibits, and to confirm whether the district attorney (and city counsel) had reviewed the materials. Several trustees said a special meeting could be called if attorneys determine the deed can be changed quickly; otherwise the matter will return to a future agenda with attorney guidance.

Documents and next steps: trustees asked that attorneys provide a written memo and that the school and city attorneys confirm whether the reverter clause is required under any statutory or grant conditions before any deed amendment is approved. No formal removal or conveyance occurred at the meeting; the item was tabled.

Ending: Board members said they will notify the mayor's office once counsel has reviewed the deed and that a brief follow-up will be scheduled when the legal position is clear.