During a recent board meeting, significant discussions centered around the amendment of a lease agreement for a public safety communication tower located at West High School. The board unanimously agreed to set a public hearing to discuss the proposed amendment, which would extend the lease with Singular Wireless for an additional 30 years, until 2061. However, concerns were raised regarding the financial terms of the lease, which currently nets the school district only $100 annually, compared to the $32,100 per month that Woodbury County receives for the same tower.
Director Greenwell highlighted the disparity in revenue, questioning whether the district was receiving fair compensation for the use of its land. The board members expressed a desire for further negotiations to ensure that the district benefits more equitably from the lease, especially given the long duration of the proposed extension. The hearing is scheduled for October 14, where community input will be gathered before any final decisions are made.
In addition to the lease discussion, the board approved several other motions, including a design agreement for pool repairs at North and West High Schools, and a memorandum of understanding with Lutheran Social Services for a community adolescent pregnancy prevention program. The meeting concluded with a commendation for Knoepfler Motors, which is offering a special session for Career Academy students to learn about electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in education.