Parents urge district review after Verizon tower installed near Lakeridge High; board seeks independent RF testing and lease information

A group of parents and board members on Monday pressed the Lake Oswego School District to review a newly installed Verizon cell tower on or adjacent to Lakeridge High School and to commission independent radio‑frequency testing of the site.

Annaleigh Adams, a nearby resident, told the board the tower is “located 85 feet from our home” and said she was “struggling to understand how this colocation was approved last October without any consideration for nearby families.” Adams said the district previously told the board in 2021 that towers are not placed at elementary schools “because of the health and safety risks to young children.”

Why it matters: Parents said the new tower includes modern equipment and multiple colocations that can increase cumulative RF exposure. Board members said they want neutral, technical information about exposures and a clear accounting of the district’s contractual obligations and revenue tied to cell‑site leases before deciding any response.

Adams asked whether the district will measure cumulative RF exposure from the multiple antennas at Lakeridge High, whether the district had discussed relocation or lease buyouts with tenants such as Crown Castle, and whether the tower contains cameras that could point into residents’ homes. “Will the study include radio frequency readings at the height of our bedrooms given that our second story is in direct line of sight of the tower where radio frequency readings are the highest?” she asked.

Ben Adams, who also spoke during public comment, asked the board to establish “a task force committee dedicated to reviewing and addressing the issues related to all cell towers on district property.” He suggested parents, neighborhood residents, district staff and subject‑matter experts in land use, safety and environmental health be included.

Board response and next steps

Board members said they want independent testing and fuller contract information before taking policy action. Director Wallen asked for an evaluation that accounts for the “aggregate effect of multiple towers.” Director Bills asked administration for a complete list of district locations, lease terms and upcoming renewal dates so the board can identify leverage in future negotiations.

Facilities staff provided an annual revenue figure for cell leases: “just under a quarter million” dollars a year, the board was told. Board members noted some leases carry multi‑year terms and break provisions, and that one site has a lease renewal window coming in the next year that may be timely for negotiations. Several directors said they prefer using district long‑range facilities staff to coordinate initial study and contracting and reserved the option to consult district counsel about legal and precedent issues.

No formal motion was taken. The board directed staff to obtain independent, third‑party RF readings at agreed locations and heights, compile an updated inventory of tower sites and lease terms, and report back with timing and cost estimates in advance of upcoming renewals.

What the district said

Superintendent Dr. Shealy thanked speakers and said staff will collect the technical and contractual information requested and return to the board with options and a timeline.

Ending

Board members said they want the testing to be independent and technically comprehensive — including readings at points of public concern — and also want to understand potential costs to unwind or modify leases. The board expects staff to return with an updated inventory, lease timelines and a proposal for independent testing.