Making good on plans to trim staff, the South Whidbey School District announced it has reduced 6.5 teaching and administration positions. The cuts will go into effect at the end of the school year.

The following were cut: two middle school teachers, two high school teachers, one elementary school teacher, a half-time middle school principal, a half-time special area teacher and a half-time psychologist.

Superintendent Jo Moccia said the district has not completed work on classified staffing and expect reductions in that area as well.

“It’s always a  difficult task because you’re affecting individual people,” Moccia said. “In terms of what’s going on in the district, we’re able to continue what we’re doing. There’s a job reduction, but it’s not unexpected. This has been an ongoing process since 2000.”

There will be continuity at Langley Middle School despite reductions in staff.

Langley Middle School Interim Principal Jim McNally will retain his position in September at a half-time capacity. He filled the position vacated by former principal Suzi Mach who submitted a letter of resignation Oct. 1. McNally is a retired administrator from Everett Public Schools and, due to retire-rehire legislation, is permitted to work only 108 days. He is scheduled to work 105 days this year at a salary of $44,448.

“It worked out fairly well this year, so we’re going to continue it next year,” Moccia said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. “Jim is very experienced administrator and he’s been able to get in there and put processes in place.”

The district anticipated the cuts due to a declining enrollment and funding from the state. Sixty fewer students are expected to enroll next fall, which equates to a loss of nearly $300,000. The state’s funding model is based on student numbers.

The district’s staff reductions follow a five-day teacher strike last year, which resulted in a 10 percent salary increase over two years. Ninety percent of the district’s $16 million budget is dedicated to teacher salaries.

Certificated employees received notification for the termination of their contracts by May 15, according to the South Whidbey Education Association.

Class sizes will remain the same and programs, such as band, will remain intact, according to Moccia.

Board Director Shawn Nowlin was empathetic for those affected, though the school board didn’t have a direct role in teacher cuts.

“It’s one of the least favorite things to be part of,” Nowlin said.

McNally was happy to learn he would be returning for another year. He will earn $56,744. The future for the position beyond the 2016-2017 school year is unknown, Moccia said. The district is evaluating its facility usage and programming in 2017 and beyond through a series of planning meetings with the community, the next of which is slated for Sept. 21. Once the facilities and programs component is set in stone, the district will address how it will be staffed.

South Whidbey Academy Principal David Pfeiffer fills in when McNally cannot, while Moccia is also on call for the position.

McNally said he can fulfill all his duties, such as teacher evaluations and student safety, despite not having full-time hours. He added the position’s responsibilities often become more work than the time he’s allotted.

“The trick is at half-time, there’s a lot you’re missing too,” McNally said. “It’s not a half-time job. I find myself doing a lot from home.”

“I have to be real careful in deciding what days I come in and maintain that,” he added.

McNally is busy learning more about South Whidbey’s culture while also making sure he fulfills the highest priorities of the school board and superintendent. He also hopes to improve student achievement, maintain a strong presence in instruction and leadership and ensure continuity between K-12 programs.

“I’ve enjoyed it,” McNally said. “The ferry ride is joyful. That’s my 20 minutes of peace.”

Nowlin said continuity in the position should serve the school well.

“He has the full confidence of the board and the superintendent,” Nowlin said. “As we move forward, he’s the perfect guy to have.”