Local Habitat urges Stokes County to consult community before Pine Hall school sale

At the Nov. 10 meeting of the Stokes County Board of Commissioners, Katie Tender, an executive committee member of Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County, urged commissioners to meet with local stakeholders before the county or an outside nonprofit moves forward on acquiring Pine Hall Elementary. "As the local expert on affordable homes in Stokes County, Habitat would appreciate your consideration to hear from us before you make any formal decision on how to move forward with your purchase option on the property," Tender said.

Tender said Habitat is interested in partnering with the Pine Hall community to develop affordable housing on the site if feasible, but any purchase would depend on demolition costs and community preferences. She invited residents and local tradespeople to a Habitat Connections meeting on Nov. 13 to learn more.

Jason Duncan, speaking for the Pine Hall community, said "the rumor mill is just tearing up the world" and asked for clearer communication from the school board and commissioners. He listed practical constraints that shape reuse options, including that much local land "don't perk," meaning it lacks feasible septic percolation, and said the community wants discussion in a town-hall setting rather than hearing about plans by rumor.

County commissioners and staff described the legal and procedural limits on county action. A staff member cited North Carolina law governing school property disposition, NCGS 115C-518, and said the Board of Education currently controls the property and has moved to have it appraised. Chair and commissioners reiterated that the school board must first offer the property to the county at fair market value or a negotiated price before the county can decide whether to purchase or pursue other options.

Commissioners also reported preliminary interest from at least one third-party party reportedly proposing light manufacturing jobs for veterans and affordable veteran housing on undeveloped portions of the site. Commissioners noted earlier precedent at Francisco School where the county worked with state and local partners to develop an outcome that satisfied community concerns while meeting the fair market value requirement.

The board did not take formal action on Pine Hall at the Nov. 10 meeting; commissioners said they will await the school board's appraisal and any formal offer before moving forward. The school board's appraisal amount was discussed in the meeting as an estimated $3,200–$5,000 for the appraisal process, and commissioners emphasized that community meetings will be needed should the county become the decision-maker.