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Board signals opposition to data centers; trustees discuss moratorium and ban
Summary
Board members and public commenters raised environmental and water‑use concerns about a proposed data center near Coachella schools; trustees endorsed drafting a district letter opposing data centers in the district zone and discussed pursuing a moratorium or ban.
Trustees and public commenters at the June 11 Coachella Valley Unified board meeting expressed strong opposition to a proposed data center project in or near the City of Coachella, citing water use, heat and process‑integrity concerns.
Multiple speakers said the project had been mishandled by local government processes and could have environmental impacts near school sites. “Data centers guzzle our water resources,” parent Lorraine Salis told the board, asking trustees to take a stand. Board members, including Director Gonzalez and others, said they oppose permitting data centers near district schools and described contractual and transparency concerns with the city council process that led to the proposal.
Vice President Garcia asked staff to prepare a formal letter of opposition from the school district and recommended a moratorium. Several trustees voiced support for a stronger position, with one suggesting the district consider seeking a ban in its service area. No ordinance or binding policy could be adopted by the school board at the meeting, but trustees agreed to direct staff to draft a formal district position and return with next steps.
What happens next: Staff were asked to prepare a proposed letter and to bring options for a district‑level moratorium or ban for board consideration at a future meeting.
