Cobb school says it must dismantle part of $150,000 addition

Cobb County schools are slated to remove expensive acoustic panels in Wheeler High School's new performing arts center after the fire marshal determined they would obstruct the sprinkler system.

Parents and others view the changes as a waste of taxpayer money and are concerned the sound quality in the new center will suffer. The recently completed center, part of a nearly $20 million dollar project at the school which also includes a new gym and upgrades to athletic facilities, seats around 750 people.

The county fire marshal’s office gave the school in Marietta a temporary certificate of occupancy in February, which means the center can be used by students and others. But that expires April 15.