BETHEL — The SAD 44 board approved the purchase and installation of a new wood pellet boiler for the Telstar Middle High School complex. They also received the resignation of longtime dean of students Charles Raymond.

Superintendent David Murphy said work for installation of a wood pellet boiler and a variety of energy efficiencies at Crescent Park Elementary School, at a cost of about $1.02 million, will begin when school lets out next month. The boiler should be up and running in December or January.

He said the costs for both projects will be captured through fuel savings. However, the district must take out a loan for both projects.

He said fuel cost savings will be used to pay down the loan.

The board has been considering a change to a less expensive fuel for some time.

An energy and air quality project was recently completed. Murphy said the CPES project includes lighting upgrades, additional insulation to windows and doors, occupancy sensors, modifications to the electric feeds for the kitchen hood and exhaust system and installation of fans that will push hot air down in the gym and lobby.

The district also will experience several personnel changes.

Raymond, a 30-year district employee who served as an educational technician and classroom teacher before becoming dean of students at Telstar High School 10 years ago, has resigned to explore alternative career options.

Rich Curley, teaching principal at Andover Elementary School, will become the Telstar Middle School guidance counselor. Part-time instrumental music teacher Tim Megan has resigned.

Murphy said the district is currently searching for a new principal for THS, following the resignation of Dan Hart, effective at the end of the school year. Longtime data entry employee Nancy Grover also submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement.

In other matters, the board approved a fourth-grade field trip to Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire.