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Community urges Coachella Valley Unified to oppose planned Coachella data centers near schools
Summary
Residents and community groups told the CVUSD board they want the district to publicly oppose a proposed Coachella Valley Technology Campus of up to 12 data centers, citing proximity to schools and potential air, water and heat impacts, and they asked the board to attend city planning hearings and adopt a formal policy.
Community members at the June 25 Coachella Valley Unified School District board meeting urged trustees to take a formal, public stance against the proposed Coachella Valley Technology Campus, a development speakers described as up to 12 data centers planned near district schools.
"CBUSD must publicly provide comments in person to the city of Coachella expressing concerns about the proposed construction and operation of data centers within and near district boundaries," said Stephanie Ambres, who identified herself as a Coachella resident and former special education teacher. Ambres said the project would be within three miles of multiple district campuses and asked the board to ask the city for an ordinance permanently banning data centers near schools.
Ash, identifying themself with the grassroots collective Viva La Causa, told trustees the project would create environmental and public‑health harms and asserted studies linking data centers to air and water pollution and localized heating. "Data centers are attributed to various environmental and public health harms," Ash said, adding that the closest school to the proposal is "1.79 miles away." Ash also said community members want a seat at the table when the district writes any formal policy opposing data centers.
Other speakers echoed those points and asked the board to show up at relevant planning and council hearings. "Having comments from the board on record is really significant," said Olivia Rodriguez, program manager at Youth Leadership Institute and a CVUSD parent and alumna, urging a public‑health framing for district decisions.
Trustees responded that the district has already published a letter opposing data center development near CVUSD schools and that staff are working on a formal district policy. "The Coachella Valley CVUSD remains committed to protecting the health, safety, well‑being and educational success of the students and families we serve," Trustee Galimmanes read from the district statement, adding that the district opposes development of data centers near CVUSD schools and is working to develop policy language to reinforce that opposition.
What happens next: speakers asked the board to (1) participate at city planning and council meetings where the project will be discussed, (2) share draft policy language early with parents and staff, and (3) include community members in policy working sessions. Trustees said staff will continue to develop policy language and that the district will monitor and engage on upcoming planning dates.
