Newton Falls Superintendent Dave Wilson said he believes the loss of the 4-mill additional levy was due to a variety of factors, including the decline in the economy, last September's teachers strike and a belief by some people that the state would come up with some money for the district.

"Some people took sides on these issues," Wilson said.

The administration will look at a variety of ways to save money, Wilson said.

"We will look at positions in which we have people retiring," he said. "We may be moving some people around. We'll look at determining whether we can pay for some programs with grants."

The real challenge will come in January, he said.

"Within a year to a year-and-a-half, we will be operating in a deficit if we do not find a way to address these financial issues," Wilson said. "We had done cuts in 2003 and 2004, the first year I came here. We are three to four years ahead of other school districts."

If the state takes over, there likely will be significant cuts in both personnel and programming, he said.

"They don't worry about extracurricular activities and things we've sought to provide the district," he Wilson said.