OXFORD – The latest round of budget talks on the state level could mean the restoration of more than $400,000 in state education aid to Oxford schools for the 2009-10 academic year. But despite the potential relief this additional money could provide, it remains unclear what affect it would have, if any, on the 24 positions jeopardized by the current budget proposal.

“If what we hear is true, hopefully we’ll be able to anticipate an additional $401,000,” reported Superintendent Randy Squier to members of the Oxford school board at a special budget meeting held Monday night. “Generally speaking, that’s the same amount we are receiving this year.”

The restoration of state formula aid won’t be set in stone until a budget is passed in Albany, he explained, adding that he was “hoping to hear some real numbers from the state” later this week.

The money is derived from federal stimulus funds, which means “there could be strings attached,” according to the superintendent, but he does not expect this to prevent them from using the money as needed. “We’ll be creative if we have to,” he said.

With the promised infusion of funds, the district can begin to look at prioritizing what items should be added back into the budget. When Squier turned the discussion over to the school board, board president Robin DeBrita deferred back to the superintendent for his guidance in prioritizing what areas and positions were most important.

“Our first choice is everything back,” she said, after stating her reluctance in discussing individual positions. She did, however, say she felt the high school media specialist position was one that needed to be revisited, a sentiment which was echoed by board member John Godfrey.

“I know the value of a librarian to the kids,” said Godfrey, a retired teacher from the district. He also recommended restoring the high school agriculture teacher to a full-time position.

Board member Mary Branham said she recognized the sensitivity of the issue as it directly affected jobs, and cited several areas in which she had concerns.

“I don’t want to lose the well-rounded kids Oxford has,” said Branham, stating the need to maintain programs in art and music. Maintaining adequate supervision was another of her concerns, as was the fate of the driver’s education program.

“I look at driver’s ed as something that saves lives,” said Branham. “You can’t put a price tag on it.” She suggested sharing part of the cost with parents if necessary, to keep the program from being discontinued.

“That’s something we can look at,” said Squier.

The superintendent’s initial budget proposal, presented to the board on Feb. 25, called for a 4.8 percent increase in the tax levy. DeBrita raised her concerns about that number.

“Families just can’t afford to take the increase,” she said. “I’m gun-shy on the 4.8, and would like to see us in the 2 range.”