COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Parents at South Cobb High School are raising concerns after water leaked into the school’s locker room and weight room, leaving puddles on the floor and damaged ceilings.
Parents provided Channel 2 Action News with videos showing water pouring through the ceiling in the weight room, a space used regularly by student-athletes, including members of the football team.
The videos show water pooling on the floor, parts of the ceiling falling through and debris scattered across the room. Staff placed garbage cans throughout the area to catch the leaking water.
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Parents told Channel 2 that students were still using the area around the time of the leaks.
“Someone can be standing somewhere, something can fall that they’re not expecting to fall. Someone can slip and then here you have an accident inside the locker room that shouldn’t be happening,” said Nicole Allen.
Allen’s grandson plays football at South Cobb High School. She said she was particularly concerned after seeing photos and videos showing dark spots and discoloration on portions of the ceiling.
“I’m not sure what the black was — mold or mildew or whatever it is, but that is truly unacceptable for our kids to even be in that condition just to even walk in, let alone have to change in the locker rooms … and actually work out and do training,” Allen said.
The Cobb County School District told Channel 2 Action News it tested the discolored spots that concerned parents and that the results came back negative for mold.
According to the district, heavy rain during the first week of school caused leaks in several areas of the campus, including the cafeteria, weight room and locker room. The district said those leaks have since been repaired.
Despite those assurances, some parents say they remain concerned about visible damage that remains, including holes in the ceiling and discolored areas.
One parent, who asked not to be identified, said there is also a noticeable odor inside the area.
“It’s like a stale smell,” the parent said.
The district said there is still an open work order to replace damaged portions of the ceiling. School officials reiterated that the discolored spots tested negative for mold. However, some parents told Channel 2, they want the spots retested.
The parents who spoke with Channel 2 said they want to see the remaining damage repaired and more attention paid to the condition of the school’s locker room and weight room facilities.
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