G.5.

T-Mobile Wireless Tower Placements

Item for Consent Agenda, June 13, 2011
Rationale
In the fall of 2010 the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee requested that the school system explore additional
revenue generating options. The specific request was to explore the placement of wireless carrier towers on school
properties. T-Mobile was one of three carriers that inquired about the possible placement of wireless carrier towers
on school system properties. T-Mobile provided the most comprehensive proposal that provided the best financial
return for the DCSD.
Quick Summary / Abstract
Presented by: Mr. Steven Donahue, Executive Director, Plant Services
Summary
The DCSD will enter into an agreement with T-Mobile to allow the carrier to install and maintain twelve wireless
towers on twelve school properties. This agreement does not restrict DCSD to only work with T-Mobile on
placement of towers on school properties but is providing access to the twelve locations provided in the proposal
and written contract with T-Mobile.
Details
Three vendors inquired about the possible placement of wireless carrier towers on school system properties. Each
vendor was provided the guidelines to submit a written proposal outlining the location, tower details, proposed
location within the property and financial terms. In the spring of 2011 T-Mobile provided a comprehensive review of
DeKalb County outlining 12 potential school properties that had areas of deficient wireless coverage. In the spring a
presentation was completed for the Budget, Finance and Facility Committee as well as a presentation to the full
Board of education at a called Committee of the Whole. T-Mobile completed twelve community meetings at each of
the proposed locations and provided details about the tower, possible placement location within the property, radio
frequency information as well as responded to questions regarding safety. The meetings were announced on the
school system web page, flyers sent with students, advertised on school marquees, announced in the Atlanta Journal
Constitution in the Metro news section, announced on WSB television and radio. At this time the proposal has been
presented to the Board of Education, reviewed by DCSD legal counsel and a formal contract has been submitted for
review.
Financial Impact
The Contract with T-Mobile and financial terms will be determined by the number of locations approved by the
Board of Education.
Goal #4-To ensure fiscal responsibility in order to maintain safe and healthy learning environments
Contacts
Mr. Steven Donahue, Executive Director, Plant Services, 678.676.1564
Requested Action
It is requested that the Board of Education approve the contract proposal submitted by T-Mobile for placement of
Wireless Towers at the following locations: Briarlake ES, Flat Rock ES, Brockett ES, Jolly ES, Lakeside HS,
Margaret Harris Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. HS, Meadowview ES, Medlock ES, Narvie J. Harris ES, Princeton
ES and Smoke Rise ES.
Motion by: _________________
Seconded by: ______________
Vote: _______________
Status
Approved by General Counsel