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Parents, former staff urge Perry Local board to study impacts of proposed data center across from school
Summary
Parents and other residents asked the Perry Local Board of Education to study and monitor potential health, noise and enrollment impacts of a proposed data center across from school property; the board said it has limited authority over development but will continue advocacy and review easement and tax‑abatement issues.
Maria Russnack, a parent who said she was born and raised in the district, urged the Perry Local Board of Education to take an active role in studying and communicating how a proposed data center across from the school could affect students’ learning conditions and health.
"The data center next to a school introduces constant low‑frequency noise generated, generator emissions, construction dust, heat output," Russnack said during public comment, adding that her two children have immune‑related conditions and that medically fragile or neurodivergent students could be particularly affected. She also said the developer has removed a promised cross‑country path and warned that losing amenities could harm long‑term enrollment.
The concern drew support from other community members and board discussion. A board representative said the district retains a 50‑foot perimeter easement on the Champion Farms property and reviewed prior negotiations over a deed restriction that were discussed in 2017 and revisited in 2022. The board said it has been involved for roughly two years in meetings with the developer, tax experts and village officials and has invited experts into prior sessions.
Board representatives clarified the district’s formal powers. One board member said the district would only be asked to vote on a tax abatement if the developer sought more than 75% in abatement; by law, abatements above that level require school board approval. Other easement or deed restrictions would be separate negotiations with the property owner or village.
Daniel William Tharpe, who identified himself as a former Perry Schools custodian, also spoke during public participation about unpaid sick‑day balances and asked the board to search district records to resolve his claim.
Board members and administrators acknowledged they do not control all development approvals but said they will continue to advocate for student interests and requested that community members bring specific questions and information to the district so staff can provide accurate financial or legal details. The board recommended residents consult the district contact for financial clarifications and noted prior meetings and recordings are available for review online.
The meeting record shows continued interest in environmental and construction‑phase impacts (noise, dust, respiratory concerns). Board members suggested the district request construction details and environmental studies from the developer as those materials become available. The board also said it would keep the public informed and work with village officials to seek a seat at redevelopment conversations.
Next steps: the board asked staff to continue monitoring the issue and to provide updates in future meetings; no formal board action on the development was taken at this session.
