The irony of the timing escaped no one’s notice.

As the first order of business at Wednesday’s school board meeting, District Superintendent Fred McCarthy read a proclamation announcing National Teacher’s Week, May 3 to 9.

Board member Leigh Anderson noted the board has no control over the calendar.

“Despite the timing, we recognize the valuable service done by our teachers every day in their classrooms, and the recognition is heartfelt,” she said.

In the packed intermediate school commons room, 45 parents and a few teachers received McCarthy’s remarks in stoic silence.

They weren’t silent for long.

In the wake of the news that 37 South Whidbey School District teachers and counselors were in jeopardy of losing their jobs — the final reduction-in-force notices will be sent on May 15 — parents wanted to voice their anger before the board.

“South Whidbey is a unique community,” said Kris Barker. “Our teachers are our friends and neighbors and that means this situation is personal.”

She cited a list of problems by the board and district administrators, including four years of unsafe drinking water, mold in some classrooms, buildings at risk from earthquakes and poor communication between school officials and parents.

Barker had a few questions for board members: “Have you done a cost analysis on the money lost if teacher-parents leave? Have you considered offering early retirement? How will you manage class size with fewer teachers? What will happen to students with special needs? Have you conducted exit interviews with families taking their children away?”

Finally, Barker wanted to know what administrative cutbacks were being made in order to save teachers’ jobs.

Board president Fred O’Neal explained that, as it was a business meeting, members were prevented from answering questions from the audience that night, but added a series of workshops and meetings were planned to address parent concerns.

“The first comes at

8:30 a.m. Saturday morning in a roundtable community forum at the high school,” he said. “I would encourage all of you to show up.”

Lisa Hanna said there is frustration among parents that seniority is the primary test for those who land on the layoff list.

“There are educators who have taught a long time who have retained their passion and desire to improve,” she said. “But others have lost that passion along the way, and our students and my fellow parents know who they are.

“The number of years served should not be the sole criteria for keeping one’s job,” she said.

Leah Black added that a balance of veteran teachers, those in the middle of their careers and new teachers is the key to a healthy school district.

McCarthy told the audience that the district’s budget shortfall remains at $1.9 million for the next school year. Officials have cut $600,000 from that figure through reductions in programs, curriculum and operating efficiencies.

That leaves $1.3 million in salaries and benefits to make up.

“Of the 37 employees notified, we will attempt to recall as many as possible,” he said. “Clearly, we have a defining set of decisions to make early in the summer.”

How many will be recalled is unknown at this point.

McCarthy said it has been a painful experience for everyone.

On Thursday, board member Rich Parker said that due to the collective bargaining contracts with the teachers’ union, the board’s hands are tied.

“We have no authority at the moment to make some of the changes that people want,” he said.

“But I’m glad we could provide them with a venue to express themselves,” Parker said. “I encourage more of that. There were some excellent suggestions made, and we will bring them forward for further exploration.”

Parker added that the district will be sitting down with the union to work out a new agreement this year; the current contract expires in August.

Even so, most districts rely on seniority as a factor when making staff cuts.

“The majority of school districts nationwide have agreed to reduce their workforce under a formula based on seniority,” he said. “It is a complex, technical process, and we must be sure to keep the community informed as it unfolds.”

Over the past 10 years, there has been a 29-percent decrease in the number of students enrolled, and the trend continues.

Though there was little change in enrollment in the last 30 days, school officials are still forecasting a drop of 139 students for the 2009-10 school year. The direct result is a loss of $770,000 in revenue that the state pays the district per student. Coupled with reductions in state revenue of $916,000 and potential state-mandated salary increases of $191,000, South Whidbey has been forced to examine carefully every line item in the budget.

The South Whidbey School District will hold a

community forum today at the high school.

The forum runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon today in the high school

commons. The event coincides with the Westling Invite track meet, so attendees are advised to arrive early. Childcare services will be provided.