October 20, 2026: HCSD School Board Workshop

At the October 20, 2026, Hernando County School District (HCSD) School Board workshop, the board discussed a proposed telecommunications tower partnership with Milestone Towers. The company would assess coverage gaps and potentially lease district property for cell towers, approaching AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon as prospective tenants. The presentation cited potential revenue of at least $12,000 annually per tower with one carrier, up to $33,000 or more with three carriers, plus a one-time placement fee of $30,000 per tower. The board supported moving forward to gather more information through a letter of interest; this was exploratory, not a contract award, and the district would retain approval over locations, designs, and agreements. Staff indicated they would seek information from other providers as well.

Board members raised questions about student and employee safety, tower locations, hurricane performance and fall zones, access, removal obligations, and the district’s ability to reclaim land for future school needs. Members favored considering underused or non-student-occupied sites, with legal review and further board approval before any agreement. The board also discussed revising the superintendent’s evaluation process; the superintendent agreed to work on a possible revised tool. A school-safety update was scheduled for a closed session. No tower contract or spending commitment was approved.