BETHEL - Telstar High School's 280 students will be greeted by a bright, landscaped entranceway when they begin classes.

The new entrance and canopy, at a cost of about $92,000, is among two facility changes made for this school year. There are also several staff and program additions.

The canopy and a sprinkler system to be installed at the Telstar High School and Middle School complex, at a total cost of $470,000, are being funded 65 percent through a revolving loan program, and 35 percent by the state.

Academically, new programs include a class in co-operative education where older students can learn work and life skills through off-campus jobs, and three college courses offered through Central Maine Community College.

"There are so many opportunities for students now," Superintendent David Murphy said. Eligible high school students who complete a CMCC course earn both high school and college credit.

New principals head the high and middle schools, with Dan Hart at the high school and Sandra Schroeder at the 220 student middle school. Former high school guidance counselor Kevin O'Reilly now works in guidance at the middle school, Andover Elementary School has two new teachers, Jolene Perry for grades two and three, and Kim Tyler for kindergarten and grade one. Retired high school teacher Bill Morton returns to work as a social studies teacher at the high school.

One of the top priorities for the school year is to find a partner and to work out a plan for administrative consolidation as mandated by the state, Murphy said.

Right now, SAD 44 is talking with neighboring School Administrative Unit 37 in Rangeley. The two school units may hold a public vote on a joint plan in January.

Another priority is a review of all district school buildings. Besides the high and middle schools, three elementary schools serve the district, in Andover, Bethel and Woodstock. Andover and Woodstock schools educate fewer than 100 pupils each.

The district's 950 students return to classes on Wednesday. Staff returns on Tuesday.