Katy ISD weighs cell‑tower leases at high schools to fix dead spots and add revenue

Katy ISD’s legal and facilities staff asked trustees for authorization to finalize cell‑tower leases at multiple high‑school campuses to address known cellular “dead spots” and add modest recurring revenue to district coffers.

Justin Graham, the district’s general counsel, said the administration has identified several campus sites (including Tompkins, Cinco Ranch, Freeman and Jordan high schools) where cellular coverage is weak. He told trustees that negotiated lease terms are materially stronger than the initial offers and that leases would be structured as annual agreements with options to extend; they would not create permanent easements or divest district property, he said.

Graham said the administration requests delegated authority for the superintendent and staff to finalize and execute negotiated lease agreements going forward to expedite improvements and capture similar opportunities at other campuses.

Why the board is being asked

Graham said Chapter 11 of the Texas Education Code vests real property with the board and that trustees historically must approve property transactions; the administration’s recommendation is for the board to authorize the superintendent to complete routine lease negotiations under a standard protocol so individual negotiated leases do not need to return to the board for each campus.

Board reaction

Trustees asked whether the leases grant permanent easements (Graham said no), what terms were typical in the industry (annual leases with extension options), and whether improved coverage would materially benefit campus operations. Trustees signaled support for the concept but requested to see sample lease terms and revenue estimates before final execution. Administration said outside counsel had assisted in the negotiations and that staff would provide sample agreements and financial projections.

Next steps

Administration will provide model lease terms, revenue projections, and a list of campuses under consideration for trustee review; the board did not take a final vote during the work study.