OGDENSBURG — The economic fears of the City School Board were laid bare at Monday night's meeting.

"In light of the whole midyear cuts, when we don't know if we're going to get $600,000, this concerns me," board member Angela A. Rufa said.

Since Gov. David A. Paterson announced last week his plans to cut aid promised to schools in midyear, the Ogdensburg City School District has been facing the possibility of losing $610,222 in state aid. The cuts could lead the district to ax positions, board President John. J. Wilson said.

"We're already looking to cut a million (dollars). If we don't get state aid, we're looking at positions," Mr. Wilson said. "There's going to be a lot of changes, and we're starting at the top."

Mr. Wilson said the board is looking to restructure the administration and already plans to leave the assistant superintendent post empty after Timothy M. Vernsey moves into the superintendent position next month. The vacancy would save the district at least $70,000, Mr. Wilson said.

He questioned whether the proposed cuts were fair for the district, pointing to the fact that more money will be cut than was given in last year's aid increase.

"We just want to be treated the same as other districts," Mr. Wilson said.

The financial problems for the district have been ongoing, school officials said.

Since a preliminary school budget was released in September, calling for more than $1.5 million in cuts, the school has tried to reduce costs in a variety of ways, including tinkering with the lunch menu.

Mr. Wilson made it clear he did not want to cut costs and create delayed expenses for the district.

"We need to take care of our buildings, grounds, children and staff," he said.

The meeting was the last regular meeting for Superintendent Maurice H. Barry, who spoke briefly about what could be ahead for the incoming superintendent.

"This man will need a tremendous amount of support," he said. "I don't recall the state being in the situation it is in now. It is a tough time out there."