Cell Tower at Rio Americano High School

Update - June 2025

San Juan Unified's Board of Education authorized the district to enter into a lease agreement which would permit the construction of a mobile network tower on the Rio Americano campus as part of the consent calendar on June 10. 

Public Safety Tower Company is proceeding with the required process for approvals to construct their project, including review by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Pending those final approvals, the project is likely to begin construction in late fall but that timeline may change depending on if/when approvals are received.

Background

San Juan Unified is considering placing a potential cell tower on Rio Americano High School’s campus, at the back of the campus, adjacent to the cafeteria building.

The proposed tower would include a FirstNet band, a dedicated band used strictly for public safety, and standard cell tower bands for AT&T. Funds received from cell towers placed on high school campus grounds are allocated back to the high school and earmarked as a grant opportunity for elementary and middle schools.  

The potential cell tower was discussed at the April 1 district Facilities Committee meeting, where the committee unanimously approved the proposal.

Community Outreach

On May 15 at 6 p.m., a virtual community meeting was held in partnership with Public Safety Towers Company to provide an opportunity for early input from neighbors and community members. Access the presentation or watch a recording of the webinar (password: Jlfq2$Pp)

In April, a notice was shared with immediate neighbors of Rio Americano High School. Access the notice.