Perryton ISD board approves good-cause exception to Chapter 61 window safety rules for current construction

At its Nov. 17 meeting the Perryton ISD Board of Trustees voted to adopt a resolution claiming a good-cause exception to certain Chapter 61 school safety standards related to windows in a building currently under construction.

Trustee Jed Symons moved to approve the resolution and Trustee Bryce Hale seconded; the motion passed 6-0 with one member absent. The board resolution cites Texas Education Code provisions and states the district "is unable to bring all district facilities into compliance with a school facilities standard related to safety and security" because of "the projected remaining use or functional life of the noncompliant facility." The resolution further notes that "the noncompliant windows that do not have an attachment system will be replaced or modified to become compliant during our current construction project." The board also recorded an alternative standard: "Staff member present during school hours monitoring noncompliant area."

The resolution text included citations to Texas Education Code Sections 37.351 and 37.353, which govern school facilities standards and allow a district to claim a good-cause exception when compliance is not feasible due to factors such as building age, design, projected remaining life, funding availability or supply-chain obstacles. Board members did not record additional public debate in the minutes beyond the motion and recorded vote.

The board's action directs district staff to document the alternative measures and the timeline for bringing the affected windows into compliance as the construction project progresses. The district did not provide dollar amounts or an exact replacement schedule in the meeting minutes.