For those of our readers in west Cobb, we’re sure you’ve at least heard mention of the new Allatoona High School, which is planned to open in late 2008. In a Marietta Daily Journal article from today’s paper, it’s reported that the new school might run as much as $6 million overbudget.

Salmon [an executive from The Facility Group, which handles construction projects for the Cobb school district] said a number of factors have contributed to the projected overrun, including global economic factors, Hurricane Katrina and rising oil prices. The events of the Sept.. 11 2001, terror attacks, combined with Katrina, have hit insurance companies hard, he said.

He cited the wholesale cost of asphalt, which in March 2004 was $24 a ton, but in March 2006 was $33.50 a ton, and diesel fuel, which in 2004 was $1.09 a gallon but now is $2.25 a gallon.

Fortunately, superintendent Fred Sanderson reports that the district is under budget in some other areas, which creates a surplus to work with.

What is your opinion on the costs of schools these days? Do you believe your tax dollars are being used to their greatest potential? With the cost of construction projects rising, do you think our school districts can afford to keep up with the demand for more educational facilities? Share your opinion!

Thanks to Jon Gillooly for the MDJ article.