McDowell County board weighs conveyance of Kimble Elementary after council withdraws interest

The McDowell County Schools board discussed options for the vacant Kimble Elementary School, including conveying the property to the town of Kimble, auctioning it, or demolishing it. Dr. Barker, the board secretary, read an email from Miss Eldrich of the Council on Southern Mountains stating the council "is requesting that our agency be removed from consideration of conveyance" and offering to work with the town if conveyance is granted.

Board members said conveying the building to the town would remove ongoing insurance and utility costs from the district and could speed repairs if the town secures outside proceeds. One board member said the town plans to place proceeds from an anticipated Walmart-property auction into a separate account earmarked for Kimble repairs.

Members discussed the risks of holding an auction — county rules require sales on the courthouse steps and the board cannot set a minimum bid — and cited past sales that left former school properties neglected. The board also noted covenants or deed language could try to secure community use but warned enforcement and legal remedies are complicated.

No formal conveyance vote occurred during this session. Members asked the district's legal counsel to draft deed language and said the board would consider a motion and final vote later, after counsel advises on what restrictions, if any, are legally possible.