Board to study options after Bonnie Croft volunteer fire department seeks control of school‑adjacent parcel

A public speaker on Nov. 6 urged the White County Board of Education to transfer or otherwise formalize control over a roughly 1.3‑acre parcel of school property used by the Bonnie Croft Volunteer Fire Department so the department can pursue repairs and funding. The board did not decide on a transaction but asked staff to gather documentation and options and to return the matter for deliberation.

Paul Sherrill, who identified himself as having been elected in 2016 and who spoke on behalf of Bonnie Croft and other volunteer departments, outlined volunteer firefighters’ community contributions and training commitments and asked the board to make the parcel available for the department to own or hold under a lease or conditional sale. Sherrill proposed a sale for a nominal dollar with a deed provision that would revert the parcel to the school if the department ceased to exist.

Board members confirmed that school‑owned property is under board control and that any transfer would require a formal transaction. Staff noted options include an outright sale, a lease, or a conveyance with reversion language but cautioned that sale of school property can trigger surplus asset procedures. The board requested documentation of the department’s legal status and tax identification numbers; representatives said they have state nonprofit documentation and are working on or updating federal paperwork after the previous treasurer’s death delayed reapplication.

Chair recommended placing a comprehensive agenda item on a future meeting to consider policy and options for all volunteer fire departments occupying school property in White County, not just Bonnie Croft. No conveyance or lease was approved at the Nov. 6 meeting; the board directed staff to compile legal, financial and policy options for a future decision.

Clarifying details: the parcel size discussed was approximately 1.3 acres; the department indicated it has state nonprofit registration and is working to reestablish or update a federal EIN/501(c)(3) status following the death of a prior treasurer; the board noted sale could trigger surplus asset rules, so a lease or conditional conveyance may be preferable to an outright sale.