District hears Crown Castle proposal to place cell towers at two school sites, company offers per-site rent

At the Aug. 14 meeting the Gary Community School Corporation heard an information item from Vincent White, the interim IT director, about a preliminary proposal from Crown Castle to install communications towers on district property at two school locations.

White said the proposal is preliminary and that no contracts or agreements have been signed. He described potential benefits including improved connectivity for students and the surrounding neighborhoods and a recurring revenue stream for the district. White said Crown Castle offered $17,400 per year for each site, with a 3% annual increase, and mentioned a potential lease term of up to 50 years and a request for roughly 5,000 square feet at each location.

Board members asked clarifying questions about which schools were being considered (the transcript alternately lists Boundary Elementary and Gary Middle School and later Anacker Elementary and Gary Mills School), whether coverage would benefit only surrounding neighborhoods or district buildings, and how long construction would take; White said construction was estimated at about one year and emphasized the proposal would likely host multiple carriers.

White reiterated that the presentation was informational and that the district has not executed any agreement. Board members said they appreciated the revenue potential and asked staff to return with more details on siting, insurance, maintenance, zoning and community impact before any formal action.

Next steps: staff will bring the item back as an information/action item with additional details if negotiations proceed.