Perryton ISD, Former AD Underwood Being Sued

Former Perryton ISD Athletic Director Cole Underwood and the district itself the focus of a playsuit filed Friday in federal court.

The lawsuit was filed by the father of the teen victim. In it, he alleges the Perryton ISD was well aware of Underwood’s behavior while he was employed by the Amarillo Independent School District, where Underwood was alleged to have had inappropriate relationships with underage female students.

According to the lawsuit, Underwood was a regular of social media platforms, using them to engage in conversation with students, eventually being placed on administrative leave by the Amarillo ISD on the allegation of an inappropriate relationship with a minor female.

The Perryton ISD victim’s father says the district failed to prohibit teachers from communicating directly with students, despite having such a policy in place. 

It’s been noted a number of students, staff – even citizens of Perryton – complained to the school district about the suspected relationship between Underwood and the student.

Underwood was arrested in April, indicted in June on a charge of enticement, attempted enticement of a minor, and child pornography. His trial was set for the 5th of this month, but was moved to November 5.