BETHEL — The SAD 44 Board of Directors unanimously approved a retirement incentive plan that could impact about a dozen staff members in the district.

Under the retirement incentive, professional and support staff who have served at least 15 years in the district, and have reached an age that is eligible under the Maine State Retirement System could qualify for up to $3,000 per year for five years, contingent upon their current salary.

Superintendent David Murphy said the district could save thousands of dollars if high earners are replaced by lower-wage employees. Also, those who voluntarily retire could reduce the number of employees who may lose their jobs as the 2011-12 operating budget is being developed.

Those who wish to take advantage of the incentive must notify the central office by 4:30 p.m. April 8 so that the board and administration will have sufficient time to complete the budget.

He said a couple of employees took advantage of the retirement incentive last year.

In other matters, A.J. Ballard and Bill Hitchcock of Bravo Zulu Energy of Topsham unveiled the results of an energy audit conducted of the Telstar high and middle school complex in Bethel.

The board and staff were aware for some time that the building is extremely inefficient. The district has put aside about $1.2 million during the past five years to address the matter.

Ballard and Hitchcock said nearly $180,000 in fuel oil, and a considerable amount of electricity and water are being wasted because of virtually no insulation in the walls of the building, the type of lighting and water fixtures being used, and improper ventilation in various parts of the building.

They said about $1.6 million, plus engineering costs, would be needed to make the necessary changes, repairs or modifications to the complex. Ballard said completing the recommendations would be paid back through lower energy costs.

The 1968 building has concrete walls with virtually no insulation and lots of glass in many spaces.

Murphy said the next step is referral of the proposal to the Facilities and Finance committees who will look for financing opportunities, as well as conduct a detailed review of the recommendations.

The issue will likely be brought up for a full board vote next month.

eadams@sunjournal.com