BETHEL — The SAD 44 board gave the go-ahead Tuesday night for an exploratory application to the Quality Schools Grant program to replace the Telstar school complex’s 40-plus-year-old oil heating system.

Superintendent David Murphy said the aim is to replace the furnace with an alternative fuel that would substantially reduce the costs of heating Telstar Middle and High School. He said it could  reduce fuel costs so much that much of a payment on a near-zero interest loan would be covered.

The application comes on the heels of a voter-approved energy and air quality $2.5 million project at the complex. The district borrowed $1.2 million of the total cost through the Quality Schools program, and had set aside $1.3 million in a capital reserve fund for it.

Engineers from Honeywell began this week making detailed studies of the project that will greatly improve air flow, refrigeration, energy costs and other health- and air-quality related changes.

Murphy said engineers and contractors will work around the school schedule, doing minor work when classes are in session, and major projects during vacations and summer. The project is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.

A third project, recently completed using donated funds, is a new sound system in the Helen C. Berry Auditorium at the Telstar complex.

The complex has had little significant work done since it was built in 1969.

The alternative fuel application is very preliminary, Murphy said. An application showing an intent to pursue the project must be submitted by the end of the year.

In other matters at this week’s meeting, the board approved a first reading of a policy governing concussions and head injuries.

Murphy said the policy calls for establishing a concussion management team comprised of the athletic director, school nurse, school physician and one or two administrators who will make sure all students and their families know the symptoms of concussions and to make sure the policy is followed in cases of head injuries.

The board also accepted the resignation of middle school math teacher Tracy Morin, and has interviewed possible replacements for her. The chosen applicant, from nine applications, will begin work next week as a substitute, then become the regular teacher once the board makes the appointment.

The resignations of bus drivers John White and Scott Bouchard were accepted. Substitute drivers will be used until permanent drivers are hired.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17.