Board approves Ben Lomond equipment site at Decherd Elementary to support federal broadband grant

The Franklin County Board of Education voted to approve an agreement allowing Ben Lomond Connect to place a small equipment building and easement on Decherd Elementary School property to support a federally funded middle-mile broadband project.

Richard Boyd, representing Ben Lomond Connect, told the board the structure would be an approximately 8-by-8-by-12-foot prefabricated “hut,” sited outside the playground fence along Bennett Street in a 16-by-20-foot easement area. Boyd said the installation was required to meet the technical standards of a recently awarded federal middle-mile grant and that the district would incur no cost: “It will be maintained entirely by Ben Lomond and there is no cost to the school or the district,” he said.

Board members discussed placement, safety near walkways and whether fencing would be necessary; district staff confirmed the proposed location is outside the playground fence and said it should not interfere with school operations. The presenter said five other locations in northern Franklin County already have sites in place and that the grant deadline is in October; he offered a one-time $3,000 donation to the school.

Mr. Williams moved to approve the agreement; Ms. Schultz seconded. The board vocalized assent and one member stated they would abstain; the chair declared the motion carries.

The board did not specify a detailed vote tally in the meeting record. The company and district staff said they will work with the board administration on final placement details and any requested safety accommodations.