Panel questions rising cost of Marietta High School

MARIETTA - School board members in Marietta want to know why the cost of a nearly $60 million new high school ran over budget. <br> <br> Marietta High School, which opened in August with major features incomplete, escalated $22 million beyond initial estimates. School officials have said the contract did not specify a completion date. <br> <br> The high school is among the largest and most costly in Georgia. Board members are expected to request an independent review next week of funds paid to the project&#39;s contractor, M.B. Kahn Construction, and architect Perkins and Will. <br> <br> ``It&#39;s obviously not done,&#39;&#39; said Pam Flournoy, a board member. ``I want to know the specifics of the fast tracking and why we&#39;re still digging around out there in the mud. The whole concept is we were paying them extra money to get it done.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Superintendent Harold Barnett said Tuesday no allegations of impropriety have been raised. <br> <br> ``I just want to make sure all the i&#39;s have been dotted and the t&#39;s have been crossed,&#39;&#39; he said.