Perryton ISD board approves turf replacement, defers decision on $137,000 concussion pad

PERRYTON, Texas — The Perryton ISD Board of Trustees voted to replace the district football field after a years-long warranty dispute, approving a $370,000 full-field replacement offered by AstroTurf Corporation while postponing a separate decision on an optional concussion-absorbing pad.

Speaker 2 told trustees the district began a warranty claim three years ago after red and white fibers on the turf degraded and the company has agreed either to repair the affected fibers or replace the entire field. “They’re offering that we replace it for $370,000,” Speaker 2 said, describing the price as roughly a $200,000 discount compared with a full-price replacement.

Athletic staff said the timing is tight; AD Hernandez said installers could complete the job before the soccer season if the board acted quickly. Coaches and turf contractors raised concerns about the quality of warranty-only repairs and whether outside contractors could perform maintenance without voiding the warranty. “If we just do the warranty work, they’re not making any money, and the quality of work would be suspect,” said Speaker 7, arguing for a full replacement.

The board also considered adding a concussion pad beneath the turf, an option the vendor priced at an additional $137,000. Several trustees asked for objective testing data on the pad’s effectiveness; Speaker 7 requested side-by-side GMAX tests comparing new turf with and without the concussion pad. “If we did the concussion pad, the only way I would say yes is I want to see some GMAX test numbers,” Speaker 7 said.

Finance questions focused on how to pay for any added cost. Staff said the district has been setting aside about $40,000 annually for turf replacement and estimated fund balance would cover an additional shortfall. Trustee discussion emphasized both stewardship of savings and student safety; no trustee opposed moving forward with the base replacement.

The board moved, seconded and approved the recommendation to accept AstroTurf’s full-field replacement with an eight-year warranty. The vote carried unanimously, 7-0. Trustees asked staff to obtain the GMAX test data and to bring back a recommendation on the concussion pad at a possible short meeting if the evidence supports the additional cost.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract terms, confirm scheduling with the vendor to meet seasonal constraints and report back with GMAX testing information before any vote on the concussion pad.