It’s all about numbers.

The drop in enrollment at South Whidbey High School is beginning to be felt in ways large and small.

This fall, just 562 students are expected to walk through the doors on the first day of school. Combined with skyrocketing fuel costs, South Whidbey is searching for ways to save money and time wherever possible.

For example, even at the best wholesale prices, the district is paying $2.57 a gallon for diesel, up from $2.02 a year ago. When teams travel a far distance to places like Granite Falls and Sultan, it adds up.

But it’s better than it used to be. “I can see a difference this year now that we don’t travel to schools up north or in Tacoma,” district transportation supervisor Veronica Schmidt reported.

And starting in September, all Falcon sports teams have been downgraded from 3A to 2A status under a new accounting system, resulting in changes to the Cascade Conference line-up.

Previously, schools were based on specific numbers: 4A schools had 1,200 students or more; 3A had 600 to 1,200; 2A had 300 to 600 and 1A, 150 to 300.

South Whidbey had been classified 2A until 2004 when it was bumped up to 3A.

Statewide, this created an unwieldy situation. Over 90 schools were in the top two categories and the system became top heavy; the gap was deemed unfair, especially for schools with smaller populations.

Last December, the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association went to a percentage-based calculation. Now, 64 schools in the top 17 percent are rated 4A, 65 are 3A, 65 are 2A and 65 are 1A — creating a more proportionate distribution.

However, South Whidbey, with a projected enrollment of 562 next fall, will compete with Cascade Conference schools having up to 918 students.

The conference will have these eight schools: Archbishop Murphy (2A), Granite Falls (2A), South Whidbey (2A), Cedarcrest (2A), Lakewood (2A) and Sultan (2A). King’s and Coupeville round out the list, but are rated 1A.

For playoffs, the Falcons will face Northwest League schools like Ferndale, Sedro-Woolley, Squalicum and Mount Vernon — all classified 3A. In addition, four schools from District 1 will qualify to go to state in each sport.