Mr. DeBisschop said last week that the committee, about a month and a half ago, asked the town's engineer, Nafis and Young Engineers, Inc., of Northford, to obtain an analysis of the roof materials so the committee could include the information in the bid specifications.

The rationale was that knowing in advance what materials, including asbestos, the contractors might have to deal with would preclude their having to come back to the town with change orders after the project is begun.

Mr. DeBisschop said the samples from each of the school's two wings - one built in the 1960s, the other in 1982 - tested positive for asbestos.

The material was found in the shingles and the caulking at the roof line, he said.

The findings surprised committee members, he said.

Mr. DeBisschop said at this point, the committee is trying to determine a window of time in which to have the affected materials removed.

The objective is to avoid doing the work when children are in the school.

Before going out to bid, the committee also needs to obtain approval for the project from the town's building official, the fire marshal, the Pomperaug District Department of Health and the state Board of Education.

"It used to be that you'd go out to bid first," he said.

Mr. DeBisschop said he didn't know how the asbestos removal would affect the cost of the project. He said any additional costs incurred would likely be for labor rather than for disposal.

The town budgeted $1.8 million in its five year-capital plan to replace the roof, which is leaking.

Incorporating solar panels in the project,which would reduce the school's electric heating costs, qualified the town for a $324,000 Clean Energy Fund Grant, which was received in May.

It is anticipated that the building project will also receive reimbursement of around 43 percent from the state Board of Education, Mr. DeBisschop said.