02/08/2026
CELLULAR TOWER LEASE RENEWAL: PUBLIC INFORMATION
Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD)
At our most recent TUHSD Governing Board meeting, the proposed 10-year renewal of a cellular tower lease resulted in a 2–2–1 vote, meaning the motion did not pass. Because the item failed, it is being brought back for a revote at our next board meeting, depending on the abstaining vote. The public deserves clear, straightforward information about what is being considered and why this decision matters. This is not one tower and it is not a short-term decision. TUHSD currently has five cellular towers across seven campuses. The tower located at Westview High School has already been on campus for about 20 years. Approving a new 10-year lease would mean the tower could remain on that campus for up to 30 years total. That length of time represents a significant land-use and governance decision involving public school property. School operations do NOT depend on this tower.
There is a common misunderstanding that cellular towers are needed for school technology. That is not the case. District internet comes through wired connections such as fiber. School Wi‑Fi operates on district-owned routers and access points. Cell phones are designed to work within networks of towers, not rely on a single tower.Cellular towers serve private mobile phone carriers, not school systems. If this tower were removed, district internet, Wi‑Fi, and classroom technology would continue to operate normally. How other countries approach schools and similar locations. Internationally, radiofrequency (RF) exposure is classified as “possibly carcinogenic,” meaning the science is not settled, especially when it comes to long-term exposure for children. Because of this uncertainty, many countries treat places like schools, hospitals, daycares, community centers, and homes as “sensitive locations” and apply additional precautions when deciding where cellular infrastructure is placed. Modern cellular systems such as 4G LTE and 5G operate differently than earlier technologies. While newer technology does not automatically mean harm, it raises important policy questions when infrastructure is placed on school campuses for long periods of time. The United States does not apply separate exposure standards for schools. U.S. standards are based on older assumptions. Federal exposure standards were created in the 1990s, before smartphones, constant connectivity, dense antenna networks, and lifetime exposure beginning in childhood. These standards focus on short-term heating effects and do not address long-term or developmental exposure, nor do they distinguish school environments from other locations. Contract and governance considerations. The proposed lease renewal provides limited control to the district. Under the current structure, the district does not have strong authority over future equipment upgrades, board approval is not required for certain technology changes, exit and renegotiation options are non-existence, and future boards could be locked into long-term obligations. Public stewardship and fiduciary responsibility. The Governing Board’s responsibility includes protecting students, stewarding public land and assets, preserving decision-making authority for future boards, and ensuring long-term agreements align with the district’s public mission. Long-term contracts involving private infrastructure on school property deserve careful review to ensure they serve the best interests of the community. This information is shared to provide context and transparency for the public regarding the cellular tower lease renewal. This item is scheduled for reconsideration/discussion at the February 10th, 6:00 PM TUHSD Governing Board meeting.
