Workers arrived at Dobbs Ferry High School Friday to begin removing damaged asbestos that was discovered inside the school?s auditorium.

School officials reportedly uncovered the asbestos problem during an annual inspection. Water had apparently seeped in through a brick wall and caused the damage to the toxic material. The cleanup comes with a price tag of more than $20,000.

Residents say they are not concerned about the asbestos problem so long as the school handles it in an appropriate fashion.

?As long as they clean it up, it makes the community better,? says Susan Fernandes, of Dobbs Ferry. ?We'll be fine going forward from there.?

Some residents, however, say the school officials? timing is off on the cleanup.

?Why are they clearing it now, when the kids have four days off, and hadn't done it in summer, when the kids are away from school longer?? Questy Alvarez wonders.

Given the serious health risks associated with asbestos, the area surrounding the auditorium has been cordoned off and all the extracurricular activities have been moved to the gymnasium.

School officials say the cleanup is expected to be completed by Tuesday. Surface and air tests will be performed before students are allowed back into the auditorium.