Schools may not be safe in a tornado gust

We expect Texas schools to stand up to Texas weather.

When one doesn’t, like the Glen Heights elementary school that collapsed in what were estimated to be 90-110 mph winds Dec. 26, we want to know why.

The Dallas-based builder, Ratcliff Constructors, says the school was built according to specifications to withstand 90 mph winds.

An engineer touring as part of a National Weather Service survey said the walls were not properly attached to the foundation.

The storm hit on a Saturday, the day after Christmas, and the school was empty.

Ratcliff has built projects for several local school districts, including four elementary schools and two middle schools for Eagle Mountain-Saginaw.

A district spokeswoman said the district ensured compliance with requirements and has not seen any problems.

Oklahoma has begun requiring a “safe room” such as the gym to withstand 200- or even 300-mph winds.

Texas tornadoes can be just as powerful as those in Oklahoma, if not as frequent.

The place to begin demanding safer, stronger schools is at the local level, and the time is now.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Schools may not be safe in a tornado gust."