The Southwest Local School District will save about $72,250 over five years through a new contract with Superintendent Chris Brown, 50, who took advantage of early retirement, then was rehired by the board at a lower salary.

The board Thursday, July 12, unanimously approved a five-year deal for Brown, who was in year one of a previous five-year agreement.

Brown, who is in retirement until Wednesday, Aug. 1, takes an annual base salary cut of $9,890, dropping from an annual $121,890 to $112,000, said board member Jeff Biddle.

The district also provides Brown with a tax sheltered annuity, which has been cut from $10,300 to $7,500 a year.