BETHEL - SAD 44 directors voted unanimously last week to establish a program at Telstar High School so students can explore and develop career goals.

Superintendent David Murphy said the co-operative education program will likely go into effect in October. The district is looking for a half-time co-operative education teacher to coordinate the program for juniors and seniors with area businesses.

"We are excited about it. This will enable our kids to get a little extra," he said.

Funding for the position will come from money set aside for a half-time guidance counselor position that was never filled.

He said the program will enable students to learn job skills, life skills, and the importance of education by holding jobs during parts of the school day. A similar program had been offered at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology for many years until it was eliminated in May.

"Our goal is to work with area businesses and to focus on developing programs for students," Murphy said.

In other matters at the board meeting, two Telstar Middle School girls were readmitted to classes following an 80-minute closed session with the girls and their parents.

Murphy said the two were expelled in April for disruptive behavior. He declined to give further details.

He said the girls received counseling and tutoring while they were out of the classroom. The principal, Sandra Schroeder, is developing a readmittance plan for the Aug. 27 beginning of the new school year, Murphy said.

Also, the board appointed Gail Wight as district athletic director for grades six to 12. She had been a long-term field hockey coach and an educational technician.

The board's next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Andover Elementary School.