School Board debates risks of cell tower lease near high school

During a recent Teton County District Zoom meeting, school board members discussed two significant agenda items that could impact the community: the approval of administrative contractor roles and a contentious cell phone tower lease at the local high school.

The board unanimously approved the administrative contractor roles, signaling a step forward in enhancing district operations. This decision is expected to streamline administrative processes, ultimately benefiting the district's efficiency and service delivery to students and families.

However, the discussion surrounding the cell phone tower lease revealed deeper concerns among board members. The proposed lease, which would generate $1,000 annually for the district, has been under review for several months. Board member Natalie raised serious objections regarding the tower's proximity to schools, citing potential health risks for children due to radiation exposure. She referenced various countries, including Italy and France, that have strict regulations against placing cell towers near educational facilities.

Natalie emphasized the vulnerability of children, particularly infants, to radiation and expressed her discomfort with the tower's location near the New Gambrell facility, which serves young children. She urged the board to reconsider the lease and explore alternative locations for the tower, highlighting ongoing legal issues faced by T-Mobile regarding similar installations near schools.

The board acknowledged Natalie's concerns and agreed to further investigate the implications of the cell tower's placement. This discussion reflects a growing awareness of health and safety issues in school environments, as well as the need for careful consideration of community welfare in district decisions.

As the board moves forward, residents can expect continued dialogue on these topics, particularly regarding the cell tower lease, which may influence future policies and community health initiatives.