BETHEL — The SAD 44 board unanimously voted Monday night to expel two Telstar high school students. The decision followed more than two hours in two closed sessions.

Superintendent David Murphy said via email that the reason for the expulsions is a sprinkler incident Jan. 11. At that time, police were called because a sprinkler had been set off, causing some damage.

Murphy said the board also directed him to consult with the families of the two students to develop re-entry plans, and to provide the students and their parents with conditions the administration will consider prior to recommending readmission.

He declined to provide additional details on what those conditions might be.

“Our school district takes student discipline matters very seriously and providing a safe and productive learning environment for all students is one of our district’s central goals,” Murphy wrote.

The expulsions were necessary “for the peace and usefulness of the school,” according to Murphy’s email.