BETHEL — Andover Elementary School will opens its doors as usual for the beginning of the school year Aug. 31.

Enrolled will be 31 K-5 students, a new teaching principal and a new teacher.

The SAD 44 board voted to close the small school last spring, but a concerted effort by Andover residents and a willingness to pay more than $200,000 to keep the school open resulted in the beginning of a school year like so many before.

Last week, a contractors’ day was held to paint and repair the school, as well as to install new doors. On Monday evening, Aug. 29, a welcoming event will be held.

Other elementary school changes include two fewer educational technicians at Woodstock Elementary School and the principal teaching full time rather than part time. Because of a financial gift from Patriot Renewables LLC, each grade will have its own teacher. The Massachusetts wind energy firm is planning an industrial wind turbine project in Woodstock.

Total enrollment at SAD 44 is up by a couple of dozen students, to about 860, Superintendent David Murphy said. Most will attend Telstar High School or Crescent Park Elementary School, both in Bethel.

Telstar Middle School in Bethel has a new principal, Clark Rafford.

The only unfilled position is for a part-time elementary school instrumental music teacher.

For the first time, high school students will be able to enroll in online advanced placement courses. Murphy said about a half-dozen students have signed up.

He said the biggest challenge facing SAD 44 this year is pulling everything together.

“We’ve had four or five difficult years. Now we’ll be able to refocus things. We shouldn’t see any more (state) funding reductions. We hope to focus on a plan for the next decade,” he said.

Staff members will attend workshops Aug. 29 and Aug. 30. All students will begin classes on Aug. 31. Incoming freshman attended an orientation session on Aug. 25.

“We’re looking forward to a very productive year. We’re enthusiastic about it,” Murphy said.