The Safe Schools for Prince George's County initiative is a community-driven movement formed in response to the installation of cell towers on school grounds within Prince George’s County, Maryland. The coalition is made up of concerned parents, educators, neighbors, and local residents who are united in their opposition to the leasing of school properties for cell tower construction. The group’s primary objective is to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of children by preventing further cell tower installations and advocating for greater transparency and community involvement in decisions that directly impact students.
The issue began to gain traction in 2010 when the Prince George’s County Board of Education approved an agreement allowing the leasing of school grounds to telecom companies for the purpose of constructing cell towers. This agreement was formalized in 2011 with a deal with Milestone Communications, a company specializing in the installation of cell towers on school properties. While proponents of the initiative argued that the agreement would generate much-needed revenue for schools, a significant portion of the local community voiced concerns about the potential risks involved.
At the core of the Safe Schools coalition’s opposition are the potential health risks associated with electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell towers. Research on the long-term effects of exposure to radiation from mobile phone towers is still ongoing, but many health experts express concern about the cumulative exposure students could face over time. The group raises questions about the adequacy of safety standards and the potential for adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer, neurological disorders, and other serious health issues. Many parents and teachers worry that the exposure of children to these potential dangers in a school environment is irresponsible and dangerous.
Beyond radiation concerns, there are also safety hazards related to the physical structures of the cell towers. Some community members worry about the risk of towers collapsing during severe weather, causing injury or even fatalities. The potential for fires, particularly if equipment malfunctions or lightning strikes, is also cited as a major safety concern. These risks are compounded by the proximity of the towers to areas where children play and learn, increasing the urgency of the issue in the eyes of concerned parents and educators.
Another aspect of the debate involves the environmental impact of installing cell towers on school grounds. The construction of such structures could lead to land disruption, the removal of trees, and potential damage to local wildlife habitats. This environmental degradation is particularly troubling for those who believe that public school grounds should be preserved for educational and recreational purposes, not repurposed for commercial interests.
The presence of cell towers on school properties could also have negative effects on the surrounding community. Some residents fear that the aesthetic impact of towering structures on school grounds may decrease property values, making the area less desirable for homebuyers. This could have long-term financial consequences for local residents, especially in areas where property values are tightly tied to the desirability of the neighborhood.
One of the central grievances voiced by the Safe Schools coalition is the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Many community members feel that they were not adequately consulted before the decision to lease school grounds for cell tower installation was made. The group argues that this decision was pushed through without proper input from the community, especially from parents, teachers, and local residents who would be directly affected by the presence of these towers.
The movement is calling for greater public participation in the decision-making process, with a demand for open forums and discussions that allow for the concerns of all stakeholders to be heard. They advocate for a transparent, community-based approach to any future decisions regarding the use of school property for commercial purposes.
In addition to health and safety concerns, the coalition believes that the focus on generating revenue through cell tower leases distracts from the primary mission of public schools: educating children. The group argues that school grounds should be maintained as safe, accessible spaces for students to learn, play, and grow, not commercialized properties for corporate gain. By prioritizing revenue from cell towers over the educational needs of students, the coalition feels the school system is failing in its responsibility to put students’ needs first.
The Safe Schools for Prince George’s County coalition is committed to pushing for the immediate termination of the leasing deal with Milestone Communications. They are working to raise awareness about the potential risks of these installations and are advocating for the Board of Education to reconsider its stance on leasing school grounds for cell towers. The group is calling for a comprehensive, community-wide discussion about the health, safety, environmental, and educational impacts of cell tower installations and urging the Board of Education to prioritize the well-being of students over commercial interests.
The coalition is also exploring legal avenues to halt the installation of cell towers and to seek greater community control over decisions regarding the use of public school property. They are working with legal experts, health professionals, and environmental advocates to build a case against the continued expansion of cell towers on school grounds.
Through community organizing, public education, and legal action, the Safe Schools movement aims to protect the safety and integrity of public school environments in Prince George’s County and ensure that the voices of parents, teachers, and students are heard when it comes to decisions that affect their health and education.