NEWTON FALLS — The Board of Education has begun its search for a new school treasurer using the assistance of Shared Services Alliance.

Board President Tonya Kline said Monday the board will interview three applicants Thursday. She said this will be the first round of interviews.

Alan Boone, who is 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 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 position became open when former treasurer Ben Marko left Dec. 31 to accept a position with the Canfield Local School District.

In other business, a presentation was done by Chris Beder, representative of GPD Architects, on future strategic planning for capital improvement projects for the school district, including what projects need to be done in five, 10 and 15 years.

Superintendent Andreas Johannsson said there is a need to fix the high school roof, which will be a top priority, as well as updating the HVAC systems.

He said the board and administrators will prioritize different projects as part of the strategic plan.

In other matters at the February board meeting, committee appointments were established. Board members Mark Stimpert and Jae Leeworthy will serve on athletics and capital planning committees; Kline and Teresa Oakes on finance committee; Kline and Rachael Rankin on legislative committee; and Oakes and Rankin on student achievement committee.

In other action, the board:

• Accepted a $27,388 Ohio Department of Education and Workforce school bus safety grant for bus fleet safety modernization. The funds will be used for cameras, LED bumper lights, strobes and stop arms for buses.

• Tabled for review and budget impact a $27,525 Bureau of Workers’ Compensation school safety and security grant.The grant will be discussed at the March 19 meeting.

• Approved the rehiring of Frank Tatarka on a one-year limited retire-rehire contract effective Jan. 1 for the maintenance contract.

• Received an anonymous $100,000 donation to be used at Johannson’s discretion for academic and school purposes and for investment.

• Approved an agreement with Vision to Learn for students to get free eye examinations and if they need glasses and qualify, they will get them for free.