Perry BOE Asks For Additional Testing from Perry Village on Proposed Data Center
BY STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
PERRY - At the Monday, May 11 meeting of the Perry board of education, board members updated the public on a recent conversation with Harvard environmental research on questions surrounding the proposed data center in the area.
A significant portion of committee reports centered on potential environmental and health impacts of a proposed data center. Board members, including Kathleen Ciolli and director of student affairs Jim Chisholm, participated in a wellness call arranged by community member Maria Resnack with Dr. Michael Cork from Harvard University. Dr. Cork is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics
The discussion focused heavily on gaps in existing environmental studies. Dr. Cork indicated he could conduct assessments on building materials and air quality but noted limitations regarding water and soil impacts. This is of particular concern given the known contamination from air contaminants that fall into the soil and PFAs contamination of the water and soil from data centers. Board members expressed concern that standard studies often fail to address these critical areas adequately for a project of this scale.
A key point raised was the mismatch between typical study demographics and the district’s population. Most environmental health research participants fall between ages 35 and 65, while Perry schools serve students from pre-K through grade 12. Board members specifically inquired about the need for cognitive and learning impact assessments on children under 18, a group frequently underrepresented or absent from standard adult-focused data.
Variables complicating any study include the lack of a known end-user for the data center, meaning no specific building plans or material specifications are available yet. This makes detailed modeling difficult. Two study options were discussed: a general environmental study estimated at $8,000 to $10,000, and a more comprehensive two- to three-month involved study ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
Board members emphasized that further action on environmental studies depends on the Perry Village Council advancing proposals. They agreed to await more information from the village before deciding on any district-level study commitment. Updates will be reported back to the board as details emerge regarding building plans, end-user requirements and potential mitigation measures.
