WINCHESTER, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Winchester school officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon that asbestos-containing insulation was discovered in the school gymnasium and that remediation is underway, with the district anticipating the space could safely reopen by the end of the week.

According to a statement posted on the school’s Facebook page, the issue was identified Jan. 14 when faculty observed insulation entering the interior of the gymnasium from behind mats adhered to a block wall. A licensed inspector was contacted and collected samples, which were sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab results confirmed the insulation contained asbestos fibers.

School officials said the gym was closed Jan. 15 as a precaution while the material was evaluated. Under the guidance of trained contractors, the affected area was immediately secured and posted with warning signs, and access to the gymnasium was restricted to authorized personnel only.

A specialized abatement team is scheduled to begin cleanup on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The work will involve HEPA vacuuming and wet wiping methods, in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Following the cleanup, air quality testing will be conducted under EPA and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services guidelines. Officials said the gymnasium will remain closed until a neutral third-party laboratory confirms that airborne asbestos fibers have been reduced to levels considered safe for re-occupancy under state and federal regulations.

Based on the procedures in place and the prompt response to the discovery, school officials said they anticipate the gymnasium could reopen safely by the end of the week or possibly on Saturday.

A full report on the incident will be added to the school’s Asbestos Management Plan, which will be available for review once the work is complete. Officials said families and staff will be notified again when the gymnasium has been cleared and is ready for use.