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Public urges board to ‘think big’ on potential data center; board appoints redevelopment representative
Summary
Redevelopment Commission representative Sarah Duffy urged the school board to prepare for a potential multi‑billion‑dollar data center and to pursue a larger TIF share for schools; the board appointed trustee Kevin Kaiser as its non‑voting redevelopment commission representative.
Sarah Duffy, who represents the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission, addressed the board during the public-comment period and urged trustees to consider how the schools might benefit if a proposed data center locates in the county.
"If Franklin County gets a data center, they're going to spend $1,500,000,000 up to $2,000,000,000 for that building," Duffy said, adding that the county’s assessed value is about $1,700,000,000 and urging the board to explore capturing a larger share of Tax Increment Financing revenue than the typical 15%.
Following discussion about whether a board member or a community representative should serve on the redevelopment commission, Superintendent recommended naming trustee Kevin Kaiser as the school corporation’s non‑voting appointee to the Franklin County Redevelopment Commission. The board approved that appointment by show of hands in a recorded vote.
Board members praised Sarah Duffy’s experience and noted she would remain available to advise even though a trustee will serve as the official representative. The board did not independently verify the cost or assessed-value figures cited in public comment during the meeting.
