More cell towers at Wake schools could bring needed dollars

Wake County school officials estimate the school system could bring in an additional $5.5 million in revenue over the next decade if it rented space for 20 new cell towers on school property. This sounds like a harmless source of money, and the school board should proceed with it.

Consider that despite some generous additional budget outlays in recent years, the district still had a sizable – $17.5 million – shortfall this year. The money was so short that the school board approved a plan to curb cleaning services. Anyone who has spent any time in a school knows how critical those services are to the spirits and health of students.

Speaking of health: Some parents and observers are concerned about the long-term effects of exposure to the radio frequency waves broadcast from cell towers. But there appears to be no hard evidence of negative health consequences. As to the attractiveness of cell towers, schools might even have contests related to how to disguise them.

Wake already rents space on school grounds for towers, and so do many other school systems on the Eastern Seaboard. This seems like a smart way to bring in some extra cash for public education, and one the county should pursue, making certain to get top dollar, of course.

This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 6:59 PM with the headline "More cell towers at Wake schools could bring needed dollars."