School board approves $25,000 cell-tower lease payment to Patrick County Promise

The Patrick County School Board voted Feb. 13 to direct the $25,000 initial deposit from a new cell-tower lease to the Patrick County Promise scholarship fund and to set aside recurring monthly lease revenue for student programs.

Board members approved the motion after Superintendent Wood reported that Milestone Towers had completed permits and that the $25,000 lease payment had been deposited. “The $25,000 lease agreement has been deposited into the school system,” Wood said during the meeting.

The motion, moved by Mister Scott and seconded by Mister Martin, also instructed that monthly lease funds not used for current students’ dual-enrollment through Patrick & Henry Community College be sent to the Patrick County Promise in June of each fiscal year. Board members voted by voice; the chair called for ayes and the motion was approved with no recorded opposition.

Board members and staff noted potential additional revenue if a second carrier signs on. Wood reported the initial lease begins March 1 and that the monthly revenue is roughly $1,000 per carrier; a one-time lease fee from a second carrier was described as approximately $5,000.

Board discussion briefly touched on possible uses for the funds and invited the board to decide whether to earmark money for specific student projects. No specific spending plan was adopted at the meeting.

The board took the vote as part of new business; earlier in the meeting a public hearing on the 2025–26 school budget was held and closed with no speakers.

A full accounting and formal budget action were not taken at the meeting; board members said future discussions will determine specific allocations for the lease proceeds.