The Parkland School District board voted unanimously Oct. 20 to formally oppose the proposed Atlas data center near Parkland High School, saying the district has a responsibility to speak out against a project board members believe could negatively affect students, staff and the educational environment.

The board approved a resolution placing the district on record against the proposal and authorizing district administrators and legal counsel to advocate on the district’s behalf as the project moves through the municipal review process.

The action follows months of discussion by school board members, township officials and residents regarding the proposed data center, which would be located near the high school campus. The project has generated significant public interest and has drawn residents to both school board and township meetings to voice concerns.

Vice President Chris Pirrotta said the district could not sacrifice educational quality, even if the project were ultimately to provide additional tax revenue.

“The budget exists to support education, and we would not sacrifice the quality of this education to support the budget,” Pirrotta said.

Pirrotta said district officials have a responsibility to speak on issues that could affect students and schools.

“While we don’t have the authority over what gets built across the street, I do believe it’s our responsibility to speak up when we believe something could negatively impact our schools,” he said.

Board President David J. Hein said directors spent months gathering information from residents, township officials, district administrators and subject-matter experts before reaching their decision.

“The location of the proposed data center is definitely not ideal,” Hein said.

He acknowledged the project could provide financial benefits to local taxing bodies in future years but said the district’s mission extends beyond financial considerations.

“We must maintain the integrity of our school district, of the learning environment, of the safety and security of our students and our staff, as well as being good neighbors,” Hein said.

Hein said the school board understands it does not have final authority over the project but believes its concerns should be formally included in the public record.

Board member Carol Facchiano also praised residents who attended meetings and shared information about the proposal during the past several months.

Facchiano said one resident’s observation helped crystallize the issue for her. “If our high school wasn’t there right now, but the data center was, would we be building a new high school across the street from a data center?” Facchiano said. “We wouldn’t.”

She said the district’s primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of students, staff and visitors who use school facilities every day.

Board member Alyssa Beckwith credited residents for helping board members better understand the proposal and its potential impacts.

“Thank you for your continued passion and commitment for voicing your concern and commitment to our student safety,” Beckwith said.

Beckwith said information brought forward by residents helped board members ask questions, conduct additional research and consider both potential risks and benefits before making a decision.

Board member Jay Rohatgi, who was unable to attend because of previously scheduled travel, submitted a statement that was read into the record.

“My opposition is rooted in concerns about the health, safety and well-being of our students, which must always remain our highest priority,” Rohatgi wrote.

The resolution states the district’s position should not be interpreted as opposition to data centers, technology infrastructure or economic development in general. Rather, board members contend the proposed location near the high school raises concerns significant enough to warrant formal opposition.

Following the unanimous vote, audience members responded with a standing ovation.

The proposal remains subject to review through the township land-development process. While the school board’s action formally states the district’s position, the ultimate decision on approvals rests with township officials.