BETHEL — When SAD 44 students return to classes at Telstar Regional High and Middle schools Wednesday, the project to improve air quality in the building will be nearly complete.

Superintendent David Murphy said the job is 97 percent done. The district approved the $2.5 million energy conservation and air quality work last year.

At Monday’s board meeting, he said authorization was given to begin efforts to replace the oil-fired boilers with those that use biomass or other less expensive fuels.

Last winter, the district received a $372,000 no-interest Quality Schools Construction loan. The Request for Qualifications bid, approved on Monday, may result in other, low-cost alternatives and plans. It will also include a bid for energy audit design and construction work at Crescent Park Elementary School to reduce heating costs.

Murphy said the loan on the addition to Crescent Park will be paid off in November.

In other matters Monday, the District Emergency Plans were approved. Safety consultant Scott Parker inspected the schools and made recommendations.

There is a new entry system at Woodstock Elementary School that includes a camera and buzzer, paid with a $5,000 grant from the Maine Emergency Management Agency. Remaining money will go toward similar systems at Crescent Park or Andover elementary schools.

The board also approved overnight field trips to Boston at the end of the school year for all fifth-graders. Fundraisers will be held to pay for the trip.

Murphy said discussions have begun with Bethel Town Manager Jim Doar to return the former Ethel Bisbee Elementary School to the town. Murphy said an agreement may be reached before next fall.

All but one position is filled for the start of the school year. A substitute will fill in for a physical education/health teacher at Telstar Middle School.

Murphy said about 800 students are expected to attend classes on Wednesday.

The next regular SAD 44 board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Andover school.