Grappling with a tight budget, the Ogdensburg City School district was informed it would receive $65,000 less in state aid than previous estimates predicted.

Superintendent Timothy M. Vernsey brought the budget reduction to the attention of the Board of Education at Monday night’s meeting.

“We are in a very painful position financially,” said Michael J. Tooley, vice president of the board, adding that he expects next year’s budget to be more severe than previous ones.

Over the past four years, more than 50 positions have been cut in the districts as state aid has decreased and revenue has not kept up with expenses.

This year the district was forced to use $2.3 million from reserves to close the budget.

Just over $2 million remains in the district’s fund balance. Most of that is already earmarked for certain programs.

Jeff Swanson, school business manager, said the school’s fund balance “will be $65,000 less,” now that the state has revised its earlier predictions.

The district is expecting to recieve rougly $21 million in state aid for the 2012-2013 budget.

Mr. Swanson said this is not a particularly large sum of money compared to the overall budget, but it is a further cut to the fund balance that is not being replenished.

Betty J. Mallott, member of the board, said she hopes local organizations will pitch in to help keep extracurricular activities alive even as the budget is slashed.

“These are the people who are going to lead us,” she said, inviting community members to help fund clubs like Model UN.

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