OXFORD – The Oxford Academy and Central School District has appointed Joseph Gugino to fill the vacancy created by the departure of long-time business manager Harold Covey.

“We are confident Joe will become a positive addition to our leadership team and I look forward to working with him,” said Superintendent Randy Squier.

Gugino, who will assume his duties on Jan. 3, was appointed by the Oxford board of education Monday night. His starting salary will be $83,000. He comes to Oxford after seven years with the Syracuse City School District, where he served as school auditor and fiscal compliance specialist. The district serves more than 21,000 students on a $354 million budget. Oxford, by comparison, has an enrollment of roughly 900 students and an annual budget of $17.08 million.

“[His] experience in both the private and public sector will serve us well as we face unprecedented fiscal challenges,” Squier said, adding that the new administrator’s prior experience also includes more than 20 years in the private sector, as an accountant, controller and auditor.