OXFORD – Every effort will be made to avoid reducing staff to address this year’s budget cutbacks, but next year everything will be on the table, SAD 17 Superintendent Mark Eastman told directors Monday night.

“I don’t know anything that will escape scrutiny, close scrutiny,” Eastman said.

The warning was made as the school board unanimously approved $402,000 in cuts from this year’s budget, including $48,000 from staff development, $20,000 from repair and maintenance, $50,000 from the contingency fund, $10,000 for assessment and grant coordination, nearly $50,000 in systemwide instruction supplies, $10,000 in a one-day activity run, $13,370 in freshmen spring sports and other measures.

The district is set to lose $502,000 this fiscal year under Gov. John Baldacci’s curtailment plan.

The $402,000 reductions are being made without staff cuts. However, unless alternatives are implemented, such as a systemwide furlough day, which must be approved by all bargaining units, staff cuts might be on the table to address the remaining $100,000 cut for this year, Eastman said.

“My goal has been to do this without impacting staff,” he said. “It is really a challenging, challenging situation.”

The reductions are part of a two-phase plan to address $502,000 in budget cuts this year to meet the current projected statewide shortfall of more than $800 million.

The Budget Committee also recommended the cuts taken Monday night. The board has already instituted hiring and spending freezes.

The move comes on the heels of an additional $502,000 push back in the school’s June subsidy payment, which will effect fiscal year 2010 and may mean a $1.8 million or more reduction for SAD 17 during the next fiscal year.

“I want you to know that I’m concerned as we move ahead,” Eastman said, adding he will have a better idea of next fiscal year’s number in late March or early April.

Although the number is not firm yet, Eastman said it is possible that staff reductions will be on the chopping block if they face that big a cut during the next fiscal year.

Director Elizabeth Swift said she expects a thorough review of items such as stipend positions once the current contracts expire to address next year’s budget cuts.

Director Bill Hanger applauded the bargaining units that have already come forward and said they will take a furlough day along with the administrative leadership that is formulating the cuts.

Norway resident Jill Gabrielsen suggested that school officials look at reducing the bus runs from two to one.

School board member Donald Gouin noted that the idea had been studied three times in the past and each time it was apparent that the move would cost more than it would save.

The next round of cuts is expected to take place next month.