Board approves American Tower purchase of T‑Mobile lease on district property

Madison District Public Schools trustees voted Aug. 19 to accept an American Tower offer to purchase the district’s T‑Mobile cell tower lease on school property.

Board members reviewed two nonbinding purchase options presented by administration: a $315,000 lump-sum cash offer and a $350,000 offer payable in four installments (an $85,000 closing payment plus three annual payments of $88,500). Superintendent Patricia Perry said the lease has grown since 2008 under indexed increases and that the district currently receives a lease payment that has risen yearly; administration provided the two offer structures for consideration.

Trustee Mark Kimble voiced concern about siting additional cell towers near schools and referenced a past local controversy in which a board was recalled over a cell-tower-related issue. "I think the jury's still out on the safety of these things and to put these at schools," Kimble said. Other trustees said they had researched health-safety literature and could not find scientific evidence linking cell towers to health effects at ground level; one trustee recommended negotiation points such as asking the buyer to replace football-field lighting as part of a deal.

Board members also emphasized that any additional towers or new equipment on district property would require separate board approval. After discussion, trustees voted in favor of accepting the American Tower offer; roll call recorded six yes votes and one no (Trustee Mark Kimble).

The board directed staff to continue negotiations and to follow up with specifics to be returned to the board for final contract approval and execution.