This was not the fitting coda Chuck Wackerman had imagined.
In the Los Alamitos Unified School District, Wackerman is revered as a jazz education legend, having led his middle and high school band programs to critical acclaim for nearly half a century.
But in March, district officials told him that his contract would not be renewed. Wackerman, 73, teaches two jazz classes on a part-time basis, and school officials wanted one director to oversee the instrumental music department.
Wackerman's impending departure triggered a groundswell of support from parents and students, who say he's earned the right to teach as long as he wishes.
Wackerman would like to stick around until 2006, his 50th anniversary in teaching.
For the most part, Wackerman has avoided the fray, letting parents and students speak out at school board meetings and in local newspapers. "I really didn't want to retire, and I still don't want to retire," he said. "My heart's still in it."
Under Wackerman's tutelage, Los Alamitos High was once named one of the five most successful jazz programs in the country. And last week, Wackerman was presented the Educator's Lifetime Achievement Award by the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators.
Which is why on April 26, scores of parents and students spoke out at a school board meeting, urging officials to reconsider their plan.
"My daughter is the recipient of Mr. Wackerman's teaching, a potent blend of half a century of jazz experience, exacting standards and love of kids," parent Lisa Chattler told the board. "Keep the magic going as long as the magician is willing to work."
Wackerman was stunned by the level of community support.
"I had no idea parents were that concerned," he said, his wispy ashen hair bookending thick-rimmed glasses. "I appreciate that they've taken the time to support me."
But the outpouring has a flip side: Wackerman is worried that efforts to save his job have caused a backlash against his successor, John Rush.
Parents have directed scathing letters at the 39-year-old Rush. They said his teaching style is "militaristic" and vowed to transfer their children to another school if Wackerman is not rehired.
Even though Rush has been teaching instrumental music groups at Los Alamitos High for two years, he bears the brunt of the anger because some parents see him as the usurper of Wackerman's position.
