LANGLEY — Sparks continue to fly between teachers and the South Whidbey School District as contract negotiations over pay and benefits continue.

To keep the pressure up, more than 80 teachers picketed the district office Thursday afternoon. Inside, bargaining teams wrangled over contact details.

“We seem to be getting close to an agreement,” Superintendent Fred McCarthy said. “The educators asked me to join the discussion and I’m happy to do so. I care for and respect all our teachers.”

The current two-year contract expires in August.

Representatives of the teachers’ union said earlier this month the union had reached an impasse with the district over a new contract, and wanted a state mediator brought in to settle the dispute.

The request had not arrived as of Wednesday, but Joye Rolfer from the Public Employment Relations Commission said a mediator could be brought aboard quickly, if needed.

The South Whidbey Education Association represents

129 teachers and certificated specialist staff such as counselors and psychologists.

Two years ago, the district was forced to lay off 15 full-time equivalent teachers to meet the demands of lower enrollment and fewer dollars from the state.

The issue this time is primarily pay.

Beginning in February, teachers had asked for an increase of 3 percent per year over the life of the two-year contract — including roughly $120 more per person in health benefits — to cover what they consider additional responsibilities, especially time spent beyond the contracted work day.

The district countered with a .5 percent increase. That offer was totally unacceptable, according to union president Don Zisette.

On Thursday, Zisette was cautiously optimistic as he addressed the picketers.

“We are making progress and we appreciate Dr. McCarthy’s presence at the table,” he said. “The leadership also thanks all our members who showed their support today.”

Only a few teachers were willing to speak on the record. Most shared a desire to stay politically neutral.

As cars drove by honking in support, high school teacher Gene Koffkin waved to the drivers.

“We want the community to know this isn’t a protest against them,” he said. “We all love being teachers but there are serious issues at stake.”

Bob Effertz is a certificated psychologist for the district.

“I moved here from Mukilteo and am making $17,000 less. There are a lot of people, good teachers, who are thinking of leaving,” Effertz said.

“If South Whidbey wants to keep outstanding staff, they need to pay them more,” he added.

Jay Freundlich said he values the work his union is doing.

“I trust them to do the right thing,” he said.

School board member Steve Scoles joined the group as a disinterested observer.

“I’m here to ensure the lines of communication stay open between all the parties,” he said. “I’m not representing the board or the negotiating teams.”

Scoles said he would like to see both sides use “interest-based bargaining.” That would spare both sides from taking immoveable positions.

“How can we resolve problems without making the other side feel bad when it’s all over?” Scoles asked.

Rich Conover has taught high school visual arts classes for 29 years, but still lives on the mainland and now pays $2,000 a month in ferry fares.

He said he can’t afford to move to the island because of sky-high housing costs.

“My colleagues are serious about getting a fair deal from the district. We have a belief in the future of quality education, but money is a powerful re-enforcer in our culture. Teachers on the island aren’t keeping pace with others in the state and that’s why we’re out here picketing,” he said.

The size of the crowd was a surprise, Conover added.

“I’m amazed so many turned out today; this is the first picketing we’ve ever done,” he said.

McCarthy said Friday that talks have gone well and would continue next week.

“We are closer together on the major financial issues,” he said.

“We are attempting to balance salaries, benefits, fund balance and improvements in the district. Both sides are meeting again next week and we’re hopeful that some agreement can occur by the end of the month,” McCarthy said.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.ccom.