LEWISTON — The auditorium at Lewiston Middle School has been closed — and could remain so for the rest of the school year — due to mold, according to Superintendent Bill Webster.

The problem stems from a longtime steam leak under the stage that led to mold contamination, Webster said. The mold is confined to the stage area.

“The auditorium has tested fine for air quality,” Webster said. “We have completely blocked off the stage area.”

While the auditorium is closed, water damage to its ceiling will also be repaired. Webster said he hoped the mold mitigation will be completed by late spring, but the ceiling repairs could take longer.

Any person or organization that was scheduled to rent the auditorium this spring has been notified, according to the superintendent. Some events are being relocated as far away as Brunswick.

The cost of the auditorium repairs is not yet known, according to Webster.

“We just want to make sure the work is completed appropriately,” he said.