BETHEL – The SAD 44 board awarded the contract for installation of a sprinkler system at Telstar Regional Middle and High School Monday night at a cost of $249,700.

Superintendent David Murphy said the Lewiston firm of Sprinkler Systems Inc. was the low bidder from four received.

He said the project is part of a series of capital improvements planned for the school, with the state paying 36 percent of the cost. A new entranceway to the high school was built last summer.

Installation of the sprinkler system will begin during April vacation, then continue through the summer. It is expected to be in place by autumn 2010.

In other matters on Monday, Murphy said the district has not heard from the Department of Education regarding his request to waive a penalty for not partnering with another district, and for SAD 44’s desire to stand alone.

He said a letter was sent to the DOE a month ago asking to be granted so-called doughnut-hole status following the disapproval by neighboring SAU 37 to join with SAD 44 in an administrative merger. He said he is trying to set up a meeting with Commissioner Susan Gendron to discuss the request.

The board also learned of the resignation of Andover representative Melissa Chase to the SAD 44 board. Andover selectmen must appoint someone to fill her position.

Murphy said the board’s Finance Committee has begun meeting to develop the fiscal 2010 budget. The district’s 900 students are supported by a $10 million budget for this school year.

Murphy said efforts to keep next year’s budget close to this year’s are under way.

“We’re looking at all programs and administration to learn whether there are ways to maximize the money we’re spending,” he said.

A first look at a proposed budget will likely come before the board in late April. Voters will have a chance to act on the final proposal at a districtwide meeting in late May, then validate the final figure during the June 9 referendum election.