Teays Valley School Board Unanimously Backs Massive EdgeConneX Data Center Deal

The Teays Valley School District Board of Education in Ashville, Ohio, unanimously approved a development agreement with data center operator EdgeConneX. This decision, made Monday night, aims to bring a significant data center project to the region, providing an estimated $113 million in alternative funding to the school district. The district, which has faced difficulties passing funding levies and is grappling with overcrowded classrooms and students learning in temporary facilities, views this agreement as a crucial solution to its financial and infrastructure challenges. The proposed deal is expected to be one of the largest private investments in Pickaway County history, fundamentally altering how the district manages its growth without placing additional financial burden on taxpayers. However, the project's ultimate fate rests with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), the state authority responsible for energy developments. The OPSB will determine if the data center's substantial power requirements comply with state standards, with a decision expected this fall. The project has drawn criticism from local residents who have expressed concerns to the OPSB about the industrialization of their rural landscape, specifically highlighting issues related to noise, water usage, and the visual impact of the development. The school board emphasized that this development represents a responsible way to provide safe learning environments without increasing taxes, responding to community feedback against tax hikes.