NEWTON FALLS — The Board of Education will spend the next 30 days exploring whether any neighboring school districts would be interested in a shared services agreement for treasurer.

The board at a recent meeting approved board member Rachael Rankin to investigate the matter.

The LaBrae and Mathews school districts have a shared services agreement for a treasurer. Superintendent Andreas Johansson said if no school district is interested in an agreement for a shared treasurer, then the board plans to advertise for a treasurer.

The board began its search for a new school treasurer with the assistance of Shared Services Alliance.

Board President Tonya Kline said the board had received three applicants, with one interviewed during the first round of interviews. Johansson said the interviews did not go beyond the first round.

Alan Boone, a Newton Falls graduate, is serving as interim treasurer while the search takes place. He comes to Newton Falls one day per week to handle treasurer duties.

Kline said Boone was provided by the Shared Services Alliance. She said he has done a great job, but the board was informed he can’t apply for the Newton Falls position because he works for Shared Services Alliance. The district’s contract with Shared Services Alliance is through September.

She said the board would like to select a new treasurer as soon as possible so the person can become familiar with the day-to-day needs of the district.

The treasurer position became open when former treasurer Ben Marko left Dec. 31 to accept a position with the Canfield Local School District.

In related matters, the district approved paying $31,500 to the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio for interim treasurer services. The board also approved spending $2,500 for Finding Leaders Treasurer search.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a contract with Ag Design for athletic field maintenance at $20,000. Officials said this is for routine work done on the turf and fields.

• Approved a new statewide policy on the purchase of mislabeled (plant-based) foods, which are imitations of meat products.

• Approved an agreement with the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio for various services for special needs students, counseling coaches, professional development for staff, social workers and other support needs.

• Accepted the retirement resignations of elementary teachers Sue Thompson and Gina Woodley, both effective May 31.

• Approved the 2026-27 school calendar, with first day for students Aug. 20 and last day May 27, 2027.

• Received a $100,000 donation for student programming from an anonymous donor. It is not for athletics.

• Approved Paula Maas to a four-year term on the Newton Falls Public Library Board effective May 1.

• Approved participating in the Ohio Schools Council cooperative advertising for bids for school bus chassis and bodies. The district is seeking a 72-passenger school bus.