Dear ACPS Families, Community Members, and Stakeholders,

We are writing to inform you of a proposal from Verizon Wireless to install a cellular telecommunications tower on school property at Monelison Middle School, located at 257 Trojan Lane, Madison Heights, VA 24572. We believe it is important to keep our community informed about developments that may affect our neighborhoods and school environments.

Community Meeting

The Amherst County School Board has scheduled a Community Meeting to allow community members to ask questions and share their thoughts regarding the proposed cell tower project. Community Meeting details:

• Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Location: Monelison Middle School Cafeteria
• Verizon Wireless will present information regarding the proposed cell phone tower
• A period of public comment will be provided:
  • Speakers must be residents of Amherst County
  • Each speaker will be permitted to speak on the proposed cell phone tower
  • Each speaker will identify themselves and either their address or their voting district in Amherst County
  • Each speaker will be allowed three minutes to speak

 

Proposed Cell Tower Project

Verizon has approached the school division with a proposal to construct a 195 foot monopole cell tower at the rear portion of our school property. This proposal is currently under review by the school board and administration. Key details include:

• Location: Back area of Monelison Middle School property behind the baseball field
• Purpose: To improve cellular coverage and data services in that area
• Status: Proposal under review - no final decision has been made

 

Upcoming Balloon Test

As part of Verizon's evaluation process, they will conduct a balloon test on school property to assess the visual impact of the proposed tower. This test involves:

• What it is: A large balloon will be raised to the proposed height of the cell tower to simulate its visual appearance
• Date and Time: Monday, September 22, 2025 from 8:00 am-12:00 pm

*If inclement weather occurs, the makeup date for the balloon test will take place Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 8:00 am-12:00 pm

• Purpose: To allow the community to visualize the potential impact on the local landscape

This balloon test is for assessment purposes only and does not indicate that the school division has approved the tower installation.

Community Input and Next Steps

The school division is committed to transparency throughout this process. We encourage community members to:

• Observe the balloon test to form your own opinion about the visual impact
• Attend the Community Meeting on September 25, 2025 to provide feedback on the cell phone tower
• Complete the Community Input Survey to provide your feedback

 

Important Considerations

The school division is carefully evaluating several factors, including:

• Visual and environmental impact on the community
• Safety considerations for students and staff
• Compliance with local zoning regulations
• Community feedback 
• Potential revenue benefits to the school division

 

How to Stay Informed

We will continue to provide updates through:

• School division website: www.amherst.k12.va.us
• Future community letters and emails
• School board meeting announcements

 

Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this proposal, please contact:

Dr. Tim Hoden, Assistant Superintendent

thoden@amherst.k12.va.us

434-946-9386 extension 9343

 

We appreciate your engagement in this process and value your input as we make decisions that affect our school and community.

Sincerely,

William Wells

Superintendent

Amherst County Public Schools