The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education received an informational request on Jan. 14 from Robeson Community College to transfer ownership of the Green Grove Elementary School property.

Why it matters: The potential transfer would move a district-owned school site to a local community college and could affect where the district houses mobile classroom units and how surplus property is handled.

Dr. Freddie Williamson, superintendent, told the board a letter from Robeson Community College president Singler requests transfer of the Green Grove property. He said the college has completed phase 12 of environmental site assessments and has received state certification allowing it to seek the transfer under General Statute 168-274. Williamson described the discussion as informational; he said the board will be advised on the legal procedures that would be required before any transfer is finalized.

Board members and staff discussed practical details. Staff said the district currently has a 10-year lease with the college on the site; if the transfer proceeds, the district intends to retain ownership of one double-wide mobile unit for potential classroom use, while other on-site mobile units used as office space would remain with the property. A board member, identified in the record as Mr. Curry, asked what process would allow the district to recover the property in the future if needs changed; staff said that question would be addressed in follow-up and during the legal review process.

No motion was taken. Williamson said the administration will return with the required legal procedures and a recommendation for board action at a later meeting.

Additional details: the presentation stated the college intends to expand its beginning law enforcement program at the site. Board members asked for clarification about maintenance and title transfer; staff said maintenance responsibility would transfer with title if the property is conveyed.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the informational presentation.