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District weighs leased cell tower behind middle school; superintendent cites $1,100 monthly offer
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Ro and board members discussed a proposal to lease land behind the middle school for a 180–230-foot cell tower; the superintendent said the proposer offered $1,100 per month with periodic increases and the company will be invited to the August meeting for public input.
Columbia CUSD 4 trustees discussed a preliminary proposal to lease district land behind the middle school for a commercial cell tower intended to improve coverage in a known dead zone.
Superintendent Dr. Ro described the proposed site and financial terms, saying the company had proposed a lease that would pay the district $1,100 per month, with a 7% increase after 10 years and 7% every five years thereafter. He said the company prefers a location behind the middle school rather than beside the press box because it would be more concealed and farther from athletic activity.
Board members raised practical and community concerns, including proximity to homes and a church graveyard near the proposed site, the tower’s visual impact and likely public pushback on health and 5G-related issues. The board president framed the proposal as a potential community benefit and a revenue source: “We are in a horrible cell phone area here; it’s a safety concern,” the board president said, urging transparency and public notice before any action.
Trustees agreed not to rush a decision. The superintendent said he would invite the proposer to the Aug. meeting to present details and solicit public feedback; the board also noted potential ancillary benefits such as providing bus-radio repeaters on the tower at no cost to the district.
No formal vote was taken; the matter was floated for public review and a future agenda item.
