South Whidbey School District Superintendent Fred McCarthy will retire at the end of the school year, district officials announced today.

District officials said McCarthy’s departure was expected. He was hired by the school board September 2006, and had planned to serve the district until 2011.

His departure is effective June 30.

Outgoing board chairwoman Leigh Anderson, in a statement issued Thursday morning, said the school district has become stronger financially and educationally during McCarthy’s tenure.

“In difficult financial times, he has been able to keep the district financially sound,” the statement said. “We began a necessary curriculum replacement cycle resulting in a new and much improved math curriculum as well as language arts and Science. He has implemented necessary technological upgrades.”

“Facilities review and consolidation have been an important, albeit controversial, undertaking. The board thanks him for his tireless service and efforts in positioning the South Whidbey School District to get better as it gets smaller. It is with gratitude that we offer our congratulations upon his retirement.”