NEWTON FALLS — At the recommendation of its school administrators, the Newton Falls Board of Education approved a reduction in force Thursday of seven certified and classified positions, which will save the district $240,000.

Superintendent Andreas Johansson said those losing their jobs include a high school nurse, high school math teacher and an elementary building substitute teacher. The person in the nurse’s position has since retired.

The classified positions include a two-hour custodian at the high school, a three-hour mechanic, an elementary school secretary and a high school guidance secretary.

Johansson said he and district Treasurer Ben Marko reviewed the district’s finances with an eye toward budget constraints, reorganization and operational efficiency.

“We looked at our finances and what cost savings there would be with the reduction in staff to help keep our district operating,” Johansson said.

He said the district has an agreement with Akron Children’s, which provides nursing services.

Marko agreed the reductions would benefit the district’s financial future.

In other business, the board approved a contract with Cole Creative Design for the elementary and high school window treatments in the amounts of $8,770 for the elementary and $15,740 for the high school.

Johansson said the windows will be treated to create a special logo, which allows people from inside the building to see out but no one outside to be able to see in.

The district will use the orange and black colors and image of a tiger, the school mascot, incorporated into what appears on the windows.

He said 100% of the costs will be covered by a $30,000 Ohio attorney general’s safety grant. Johansson said other school districts have used this technique to provide better security.

Also, the board approved a contract for professional services with the GPD Group of Akron to develop a facility master plan.

The district will pay GPD Group $40,000 for the services. Johansson said representatives of the engineering firm will come to the school district to assist the district with a 20-year facility plan, which will address structures, buildings, grounds, equipment, and electrical and mechanical aspects.

In other business, the board at its April meeting:

• Recognized board members Amie Crowder and Tonya Kline, who were nominated for the Ohio School Board Association recognition award, for their work as board members.

• Approved appointment of Ann Cicero as trustee to the Newton Falls Public Library’s board of trustees for a seven-year term.

• Approved an agreement with Howland Alarm Company for $4,353 for building security work.

• Approved a contract with Julian and Grube for general accounting principles auditing services for three years at $6.400 per year.

• Approved disposal of weightlifting items.