Regional District Eyes Cell Antennae for High Schools' Rooftops

The West Morris Regional High School District Board of Education approved the prospect of potentially mounting cellular service antennae to the rooftops of West Morris Central and West Morris Mendham High Schools.

The project, if it came to fruition, would accomplish two tasks: bolstering the technological device capabilities inside the buildings as well as adding revenue to the district’s income.

“The school is an epicenter of activity and the antennae boost provides a benefit to the surrounding communities by off-loading some of the cell traffic created by our two schools,” said Business Administrator Doug Pechanec. “From a safety point of view this is a great benefit to ensure access during emergency situations.”

Pechanec also stated the potential revenue is “always welcome” to the school budget.

Cellular devices have become tools of the classroom more than pieces of distraction in recent years, as the district implemented a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy for students.

The amount of revenue potential has not yet been determined, Pechanec said, and there would not be any cell towers sought, just rooftop apparatus.

Pechanec is now constructing an advertisement to seek potential bidders on the project. No timetable has been set on the project’s start or completion.