Perryton ISD approves Perryton High field house budget, adds Michigan Street parking; vote 6-1

The Perryton ISD Board of Trustees approved an amended budget for the Perryton High School field house and agreed to add a Michigan Street parking improvement during a board meeting, with the motions passing 6-1.

The board spent much of the meeting reviewing two budgets presented by Huseman Builders: a version reflecting a long-running list of owner-requested upgrades and a tighter, “within-budget” option. Board members repeatedly framed the discussion around which optional finishes and site work to include and whether to reserve interest earnings from the district’s bond proceeds for future phases.

Contractor representatives from Huseman Builders walked trustees through line-item options for the building and site. The presentation showed an original construction estimate in the mid-$4.4 million range, an added $250,000 allowance for furnishings in one tally, and a menu of optional upgrades (locker-room finishes, polished concrete, sunscreen pergolas, trophy cases, equipment allowances and expanded parking). When many of those options were selected, Huseman’s total moved into the mid‑$5 million range; presenters said selected options and contingencies pushed some scenarios toward about $5.3–$5.6 million.

Board discussion repeatedly returned to available bond interest. Trustees noted the district’s interest earnings on the bonds had been re-estimated over time: earlier projections were roughly $1.2 million, later $1.6 million, and district staff said recent estimates put interest available at about $2.0 million. Trustees debated using that interest to pay for building options now versus preserving it for later project phases (phase 2 and phase 3) and unanticipated costs.

Parking emerged as a flashpoint. Several trustees and staff said the original bond materials listed stadium renovations, concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, weight room and offices; some board members said they did not recall parking being a large explicit line item. Contractors presented multiple parking scenarios — from a concrete bus lane with limited adjacent spots to converting existing tennis‑court areas into parking — with estimated costs ranging from the low hundreds of thousands up to more expensive concrete options. Trustees expressed differing priorities: some argued to add a smaller, immediate Michigan Street parking improvement now; others urged caution because the district remains mid‑project and may face unforeseen expenses in later phases.

After discussion the board voted on an amendment to add the Michigan Street parking work to the project; the amendment passed 6-1. The board then voted to approve the presented budget as adjusted on the screen (the building budget as presented, with selected options and the Michigan Street parking amendment). That approval also carried 6-1.

Trustees and Huseman representatives said construction would begin shortly after the board’s formal approval and permitting tasks are complete; Huseman estimated a typical start window around several days after approval and a construction schedule of roughly 12–14 months to substantial completion, with a target to have key concessions and circulation elements available before the next football season if possible. Several trustees asked for follow-up reporting on actual contracting costs and on remaining interest balances as phases 2 and 3 proceed.

The board’s approval authorized staff and contractors to proceed with procurement and construction activity consistent with the approved scope and budget as amended. The meeting record shows the motions to (1) add Michigan Street parking and (2) adopt the proposed field house budget as amended were carried by 6 votes in favor and 1 opposed.