Superintendent Addresses School Cell Phone Tower Issue

Following up on an issue recently raised by some San Marino parents, San Marino Unified School District Superintendent Loren Kleinrock wrote in a letter to parents this week that the district is in the process of evaluating its policy on cell phone towers on school properties. In response to parent concerns on the issue, a public study session was held last month to present expert findings and gather public comment.

In the letter, which is reproduced in full below, Kleinrock said the health and safety of students is the district's top priority and promised a vote on the issue in an upcoming meeting.  Here is the full letter:

Dear Parents and Community Members,

As you know, the Board of Education held a Public Study Session to consider information from third-party experts in response to recent inquiries from some parents concerning the cell towers that have been located on district property since 2004.

Although the Board will not vote on this issue at tonight's Board meeting, I did want to take the opportunity to provide an update on developments.

The Board is continuing to evaluate the research that was presented by the impressive panel of experts who participated in the Public Study Session. Our top priority has, is, and will continue to be the health and safety of our students. While the towers have been found to be in compliance and well below the standards, we are also investigating all legal options, and WE have been and are exploring possibilities that include ongoing discussions with the existing cell phone lessees regarding the future of the towers.

The Board plans to make its decision in the coming weeks.  We will continue to keep our parent community involved in this issue, and hope to work together to do what is best for our students.

Loren Kleinrock

Superintendent