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Bladen County Schools board delays decision on Plainview and East Arcadia properties
Summary
The board voted to table action on disposing the Plainview and East Arcadia school properties to its August meeting after legal counsel outlined statutory limits requiring fair market value unless the property continues in public school use and members said they lack sufficient proposals and appraisals.
The Bladen County Schools board on Monday voted to table action on the Plainview and East Arcadia properties until its August meeting after receiving legal guidance that narrows how the district may transfer or sell school property.
Board counsel told trustees that North Carolina law and court precedent generally require a school system to receive fair market value when disposing of public-school property unless the property will continue to be used for a public school purpose, and that leases to non‑governmental parties are limited by a cumulative 10‑year cap. "The school system could lease property for other than a public school purpose so long as we don't exceed the 10‑year mark," the board's counsel said during the meeting.
The guidance prompted questions from trustees about whether a town or other governmental unit could acquire a school at less than fair market value if it intended to use the facility for public school purposes, or whether an earlier pledge to an alumni association affects a sale. One board member said a prior superintendent-submitted resolution appeared to support the Plainview Alumni Association seeking legislation to receive the property at reduced cost; another member said the board should collect appraisals and formal proposals before committing to any transfer.
District staff told the board that supporting documents and a memo with statutory citations and case law were posted in the board packet. Counsel cited court decisions and guidance from the UNC School of Government when explaining disposal options and upset‑bid or sealed‑bid procedures.
After discussion, a motion to table the item to the board's August meeting carried. The board asked staff to continue gathering pricing, appraisal information and any formal proposals so trustees can evaluate options that comply with state law.
What's next: The board will revisit Action 5.1 at its August meeting with additional information from staff and counsel.
