BETHEL – By unanimous vote Tuesday the Board of Directors for SAD 44 approved using $23,975 in contingency funds to replace the boiler at the Woodstock Elementary School in Bryant Pond.

According to Bethel board member Elaine Cross attempts had been made during the summer to fix the boiler by Honeywell Corp., but because of the age of the boiler all attempts failed.

“The boiler is pretty old and it was found that it just could not be fixed,” said Cross.

In support of Cross’ statement, Business Manager Bruce Powell explained that Honeywell had tried to fix a leak in one section of the boiler, but discovered it could no longer get replacement parts because of the age.

“The boiler is 15 years old,” said Powell, “and Honeywell found that it was obsolete and no replacement parts could be found. They decided to disconnect one section of the boiler, which would still mean its capacity would be adequate. However, after that decision was made they found a leak in another section and with two sections disconnected the boiler would not have adequate capacity to heat the building this winter. As a result it needs to be completely replaced.”

The board agreed and the job will be done before the heavy winter cold sets in.

The board also voted unanimously to award Valerie Foreman a first probationary contract as a social studies teacher at Telstar High School.

According to Superintendent David Murphy, Foreman comes with an excellent recommendation from the Auburn School Department where she has been employed as an educational technology instructor for the past year. She also has had experience teaching at the college level.

Foreman replaces Charles Raymond who was recently transferred from the classroom to the position of full-time dean of students.

Also, Kim Kangas was moved from part-time status as a physical education teacher in the Andover and Woodstock schools to a full-time physical education teaching position at Telstar High School. The full-time position became available with the transfer of Barbara Russell from the physical education position at the high school to the position of health coordinator for the district.

Speaking about Russell’s move from physical education to health coordinator, Murphy said that she has been deeply involved in the development of a quality health program in SAD 44 for several years, “and we have full confidence in her to continue to advance our health programs in the future.”

“Barb has been involved in every phase of our health program for a long time and I know she will be a great asset to the district in this position,” Murphy said.

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