NORTH ATTLEBORO - Selectmen and the school committee are at loggerheads over a key issue that could affect the future of the "Afghans" painting - ownership of the masterpiece.

While the school department says it owns the Alexandre Iacovleff painting, which was hung in the Community School by W. Charles Thompson in 1951, selectmen argue the painting is a public trust that belongs to the people of North Attleboro.

"My personal view is the painting was given to the entire town. (Thompson) went to the school committee because they had the wall he wanted to use," selectmen Chairman William Moffitt said.

"This was not an unconditional gift. It's a public trust, so we have a legal responsibility to honor the intent of the donor."

The issue is key, as selectmen have vetoed the idea of selling the painting and are asking the school department to bring the painting back to town. The painting was sent to Sotheby's auction house in New York City for safe keeping. School committee Chairman David Manoogian has declined to put the issue on his board's agenda until selectmen put together a comprehensive plan detailing what will happen to the masterpiece if it is returned to town.

The plan must include funding - and not from the school department's budget - for appraisals, security and a safe location where the painting can be hung and viewed by the public.

Selectmen said they would put together a proposal, but had concerns about the school department's request for acknowledgement that the painting belongs to the schools.

Superintendent Rick Smith said the painting would have to remain the exclusive property of the school department and that any insurance policies should name the school department as the payee, so "in the event of a total loss of the picture, the proceeds can be used for the advancement of the arts in the North Attleboro schools."

Selectmen balked at that request.

"I'd like to remind the people out there, including the school committee, that property really belongs to the inhabitants of this town," Selectman Paul Belham said.

Selectman Dale Langille agreed, saying, "This property belongs to the town, not just the school department."

Selectman John Rhyno requested a meeting with representatives from the attorney general's office who previously indicated that the painting is a public trust - meaning that the intent of the donor is a key consideration.

"I don't want to see this turn into a war between selectmen and the school committee. It doesn't have to be that way," Rhyno said. "The attorney general will give them a whole new perspective on what this painting is."

Moffitt agreed, saying the town's treatment of the painting will reflect on other past and future donations. "It's not just about this particular gift, it's about every gift we've ever gotten and every gift we're ever going to receive," he said. "We have to do what we can to honor the intent of the donor."

Selectwoman Marjorie Kraskouskas agreed, saying that the painting provides an opportunity to focus on the town's historical assets as a reason to visit the area - including the painting, the Woodcock Garrison and old powder house.

"This is a pivotal spot for changing our image," she said. "North Attleboro is not a place to come to visit just because of Emerald Square mall."