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Methow Valley School District Needs Your Input!

Our Community Facilities Task Force is shaping a 25-year plan for the future of Methow Valley School District’s buildings, and wants to hear from YOU!

Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, an alum, a business owner, or community member, your perspective matters. Please participate in our online ThoughtExchange survey and share your thoughts, read what other’s are saying, and vote on the ideas that resonate most with you. It’s anonymous, takes about 10 minutes, and works on any phone, tablet, or computer.

Complete the survey by Monday, September 14. Simply click the button below or scan the QR code with your smart phone camera.

Learn more about our Facilities Planning Process

Take Our Survey

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Mission

To expect, encourage and facilitate the pursuit of excellence in our students, preparing them for a world in which life-long learning is critical to their success and happiness.

A Vision for Methow Valley Schools

Working in partnership with our families and community, we develop curious, creative, compassionate, competent, action-oriented citizens prepared to change the world.

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18 TWIN LAKES RD WINTHROP, WA 98862

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Methow Valley School District News

Aug 12, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
UPDATE- Community Facilities Task Force Meeting #5
Methow Valley School District Community Facilities Task Force Turns Its Focus to Reaching Every Voice in the Valley

Committee to launch community-wide ThoughtExchange survey this fall as part of a broad outreach effort.

The Methow Valley School District (MVSD) Community Facilities Task Force (CFTF) held its fifth meeting on August 11, marking the halfway point of the group's yearlong process to develop a long-range facilities plan for the district. After reflecting on the progress the 24-member committee has covered so far - from campus tours and building condition assessments to enrollment trends and a safety and security review - the group spent the bulk of the evening on a single question: how to make sure the entire Methow Valley community has a chance to weigh in.

Working in small groups, Task Force members mapped out the full range of stakeholders connected to the district. Not just staff and families with children currently enrolled, but retirees, renters, agricultural and business owners, families whose children have long-sense aged out of the school system, and residents who have limited or little connection with the schools. Members then discussed, why some of those voices have historically been harder to reach, and practical ways to close those gaps.

The committee's ideas will directly shape a broader stakeholder engagement effort planned for this fall, which will include a community-wide ThoughtExchange survey. ThoughtExchange is an online platform that lets residents anonymously share their thoughts on the district's future and rate the ideas of others, surfacing shared priorities across hundreds of responses. Details on how to participate will be announced in the coming weeks, alongside staff and community focus groups and other ways to get involved.

"This process only succeeds when the whole community feels ownership of the plan, not just the people already in the room," said Superintendent Storey. "Tonight was about making sure we're building a process that reaches everyone who calls the Methow Valley home."

The Task Force's facility recommendations are due to the District by May 27, 2027. Meeting materials are posted on the District website, and the community is encouraged to watch for the upcoming ThoughtExchange announcement and other opportunities to get involved.

About the Community Facilities Task Force The Methow Valley School District Community Facilities Task Force is a 24-member, community-led committee charged with developing a long-range facilities plan for the district. The Task Force is facilitated by Consertus, a consulting firm that supports school districts through community-centered facilities planning processes.
Aug 10, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
Welcome, Incoming Kindergarten Families!
We are excited to welcome our newest students and families to Methow Valley Elementary School! Kindergarten is an exciting milestone, and we're looking forward to helping your child get off to a wonderful start.

Below are some important dates to help your family prepare for the beginning of the school year.

Kindergarten Playground Playdate

Thursday, August 20 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Join us for an informal playground playdate where incoming kindergarten students can explore the playground, meet new friends, reconnect with classmates, and get comfortable with the school environment. Families are welcome to ask questions, meet staff, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together (and yes—there are often popsicles!).

If weather, air quality, or construction requires a change of plans, we'll notify families by email and on Facebook.

Teacher Welcome & Family Conference Scheduling

Week of August 24

Kindergarten teachers will contact families during the week of August 24 to introduce themselves and schedule a Kindergarten Family Conference.

Conference Dates: August 31 and September 1–3

These 30-minute conferences help your child become familiar with their classroom and teacher before the first day of school. Please bring your incoming kindergartener with you.

Kindergarten Open House

Friday, August 28 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Families are invited to stop by anytime between 11:00 a.m. and noon to find their child's classroom and say hello to their teacher.

This is a casual, drop-in event. Some kindergarten students find a busy open house overwhelming, so many families choose to meet their teacher during the Family Conference instead. Either option is a great way to begin the year.

First Day of Kindergarten!

Friday, September 4

The big day is here!

School begins: 8:30 a.m.

Dismissal: 3:10 p.m.

Teachers will review arrival and dismissal procedures during your Family Conference.

Tea & Tissues for Families

After dropping off your kindergartener on the first morning, parents and caregivers are invited to join us in the library for our annual Tea & Tissues gathering. It's a chance to connect with other families, meet school staff, learn more about the school, and ask any last-minute questions.

Kindergarten Readiness & FAQs

We'll also be sharing Kindergarten Readiness information and answers to frequently asked questions to help your family prepare for a successful start to the school year.

We know the first day of kindergarten is a big milestone—for students and families alike. Our staff is committed to making this a positive, welcoming experience, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout the year.

Welcome to the Methow Valley Elementary community!
Aug 10, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
Preparing for the 2026–27 School Year: Staffing Updates and Transitions
As we continue preparing for the 2026–27 school year, we are excited to share another round of staffing updates with our school community. Throughout the spring and summer, we have been sharing new hires, internal transitions, retirements, and staffing changes as we build our teams for the year ahead.

This latest group brings a tremendous range of experience—from career-connected learning and outdoor education to welding, automotive technology, music, and community partnerships. We are excited to welcome them into these roles and continue expanding meaningful opportunities for Methow Valley students.

Congratulations, Amy Fitkin – ILC and LBHS Internship Coordinator

We’re thrilled to announce that Liberty Bell graduate and current ASB Advisor Amy Fitkin will take the helm as our new ILC and LBHS Internship Coordinator.

Amy brings a strong connection to our schools and community, and in this role she will help students explore career pathways, build relationships with local employers and community partners, and connect learning at school with opportunities beyond the classroom.

Amy shares:

“I’m thrilled to continue serving the Methow Valley School District as Internship Coordinator. This community holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to support our incredible students as they explore their futures beyond high school alongside the amazing families and staff who make this valley so unique.”

Congratulations, Amy!

Welcome, Chris “Flash” Clark – Outdoor Recreation and Trails

We are excited to welcome Chris “Flash” Clark as part of an innovative outdoor recreation and trails career pathway being developed in partnership with Methow Trails.

Flash grew up in Vermont, where his parents operated a Nordic skiing inn, and he has been an avid trail user and trail maintainer for most of his life. He earned a degree in geology from Middlebury College in 1994 and moved to the Methow Valley in 1997.

For nearly 30 years, Flash has coached with the Methow Valley Nordic Team. He also operates a small contracting business focused on custom, energy-efficient homes. He and his wife, Katharine, have two daughters, Sisu and Neva, and their family has spent many hours exploring the North Cascades on skis, bikes, and on foot.

Flash shares:

“I’m looking forward to sharing my love of the outdoors and trail stewardship with the next generation of trail users, and also working with Methow Trails to develop this innovative career pathway.”

We are excited about the experience, community connections, and passion for stewardship Flash brings to our students.

Welcome, Barry Stromberger – Long-Term Substitute Welding/Automotive Instructor

We are pleased to welcome Barry Stromberger back to Methow Valley School District as our long-term substitute Welding/Automotive instructor.

Barry brings decades of experience in welding, automotive repair, custom iron work, and Career and Technical Education. He helped re-establish the welding program at TwispWorks in 2011 and taught those classes for four years. He has also offered adult welding classes in the valley since the 1990s.

Barry has lived with his wife, Dana, in Twisp for the past 36 years. After arriving in the Methow Valley more than 50 years ago, he built The Slag Works, operating his own foreign auto repair, welding, and custom iron-work business.

Barry also has a long history with MVSD. He previously served at Liberty Bell in maintenance and later as a CTE instructor before returning full-time to his business.

We are fortunate to have someone with Barry’s depth of technical knowledge, teaching experience, and connection to the Methow Valley stepping into this role.

Welcome, Gavin Battig – Performing Arts Teacher

We are pleased to welcome musician and educator Gavin Battig to Methow Valley School District as our new Performing Arts teacher.

Gavin grew up on Whidbey Island and earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University. He is currently working toward a master’s degree in Music from Washington State University and brings a variety of teaching experiences to the role.

Gavin shares:

“I have had a passion for music since I was 7 years old and love to play the piano and trombone. I got my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University and am currently working towards my Master’s degree in Music from Washington State University. Along with my passion for music, I love spending time in nature and bird photography.”

We are excited to welcome Gavin to the valley and look forward to the energy and musicianship he will bring to our students and performing arts programs.

Looking Ahead to 2026–27

We are grateful for the educators, staff members, and community partners who continue to bring their experience, creativity, and commitment to Methow Valley students.

As we move through the final weeks of summer and prepare to welcome students back, we will continue sharing additional staffing and hiring updates as positions are finalized.

Please join us in welcoming Amy, Flash, Barry, and Gavin to their new roles and in helping them feel at home in the Methow Valley School District.
Jul 31, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
Methow Valley School District Board Adopts 2026–2027 Budget
The Methow Valley School District Board of Directors unanimously adopted the District's 2026–2027 budget during its July 30 regular meeting, completing several months of planning, public engagement, and financial analysis.

The Board adopted appropriations of approximately $18.13 million for the General Fund, along with separate budgets for the Capital Projects, Transportation Vehicle, Debt Service, and Associated Student Body funds, as well as the District's required four-year budget plan and enrollment projection.

Like many school districts across Washington, Methow Valley continues to navigate declining enrollment, increasing operating costs, and a changing financial landscape. Throughout the budget development process, the District focused on planning ahead, communicating openly, and making thoughtful adjustments that preserve educational opportunities while supporting long-term financial sustainability.

"This budget reflects months of thoughtful planning and discussion," said Superintendent Grant Storey. "Our goal has been to make measured adjustments that preserve the educational opportunities our community values while positioning the District to remain financially sustainable for the future."

While the budget includes targeted adjustments to align staffing and expenditures with projected enrollment, it also continues to support many of the educational opportunities that define the Methow Valley experience, including Career and Technical Education, dual credit opportunities, intervention and student support systems, the Independent Learning Center, internships and work-based learning, and ongoing investments in school safety and facilities.

With the budget now adopted, district staff are focused on preparing for the opening of the 2026–2027 school year. Families can expect additional communications throughout August regarding registration, transportation, schedules, open houses, and other back-to-school information.

Community members interested in learning more are encouraged to watch Superintendent Storey's 17-minute Budget Overview, which explains how Washington school funding works, how the District developed this year's budget, and the priorities reflected in the Board's decision.

▶ Budget Overview: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_tQAgcql5xl-6RG4rtiCruAbAnqneVDp/view?usp=sharing

The adopted budget and supporting documents are available on the Methow Valley School District website.
Jul 16, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
UPDATE- 4th Meeting of The Community Facilities Task Force
Community Facilities Task Force Reviews Campus Safety Enhancements, Launches Community Engagement Planning

Methow Valley School District's community-led committee digs into safety and security, and begins mapping how to hear from every corner of the valley.

WINTHROP, WA — The Methow Valley School District's Community Facilities Task Force (CFTF) held its fourth meeting on July 8, 2026, continuing its work toward a long-range capital facilities plan due to the District and Board by May 2027. The 24-member committee, made up of parents, staff, community members, and District representatives, spent the session reviewing campus capacity and community trend data, taking a close look at campus safety and security, and beginning the important work of planning how to reach every part of the Methow Valley community in the months ahead.

Understanding Our Campus and Community

The committee reviewed how space is currently used across Liberty Bell Jr./Sr. High School and Methow Valley Elementary School, along with local housing and demographic trends that will shape enrollment in the years ahead. Members discussed the balance between new affordable housing development in the valley and its anticipated impact in helping stabilize student enrollment and housing circumstances for current and future families.

A Closer Look at Safety and Security

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a comprehensive review of campus safety and security, guided by the national PASS K-12 “Layers of Protection” framework performed by

Dave Teague, security consultant. The review examined every layer of campus safety, from site perimeter and vehicle access to building entry points and classroom-level preparedness.

Superintendent Grant Storey walked the committee through the meaningful steps the District has already taken to strengthen safety across the campus, along with the priorities identified for continued investment. Task Force members had the opportunity to ask detailed questions and engage in candid conversation about the District's approach. Many members shared that the discussion gave them a clearer, more confident understanding of how seriously the District takes the safety of students and staff, and how deliberately these decisions are being made.

The Task Force's recommendation will continue to address student, staff, and community safety considerations as part of the broader long-range facilities plan.

Planning to Hear From the Whole Community

The Task Force then turned its attention to stakeholder engagement planning, kicking off the process the committee will use to shape a community-wide outreach effort this fall. Members discussed a simple but important idea: bond and levy measures are decided by every eligible voter in the District, not only families with children currently enrolled. The group began identifying the full range of voices that make up the Methow Valley community — including retirees and longtime residents, agricultural and business owners, seasonal and second-home owners, and other groups who have not always been part of these conversations — and discussing what it will take to reach them meaningfully.

This engagement planning work will continue at the committee's next meeting, building toward a full slate of outreach activities this fall, including a community-wide online survey through ThoughtExchange, along with focus groups and additional outreach to staff, parents, students, and the broader community.

Get Involved

Meeting materials, including presentation slides, will be posted to the District website following each Task Force meeting. Community members interested in following the committee's work or providing input are encouraged to visit the District's facilities planning webpage in the fall, when the community survey will open.
Jun 22, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
INFO- Community Facilities Task Force-Update from our Third Meeting
Community Facilities Task Force Tours TwispWorks, Examines the Community Trends Shaping District Enrollment

The Methow Valley School District’s Community Facilities Task Force (CFTF) held its third meeting on June 10, 2026, at the TwispWorks campus in Twisp, where the District houses its Independent Learning Center (ILC) as well as its welding and automotive technology programs. The meeting paired a firsthand look at these spaces with a deep examination of the community trends that hape student enrollment; a key input as the committee works toward long-range capital planning recommendations due to the District in May 2027.

A Firsthand Look at the TwispWorks Campus

The meeting opened with guided tours of campus sites. Superintendent Grant Storey led committee members through the two buildings that currently house the ILC program, as well as the new Grey Shed facility the program is preparing to transition into. Committee member Barry Stromberger led tours of the welding and automotive technology shops.

Committee members came away impressed — both by the ILC’s ability to make the most of every square foot of its current spaces, and by the depth of the welding and automotive programs and the access to equipment and technology they provide students.

Understanding the Community Context

Following the tours, the committee turned to a detailed review of the District’s demographic and community landscape, recognizing that the future of enrollment, and therefore the District’s facilities needs, is closely tied to forces unfolding across the broader Methow Valley.

Members reviewed several trends together:

Demographic change in Twisp and Winthrop, including a period of rapid growth in Winthrop, which has expanded by more than 20% since the recent census.

A long-term decline in birth rates across Okanogan County, mirroring a statewide trend, which influences the size of future kindergarten classes.

Housing affordability pressures across the valley, where home prices have risen far faster than local wages and the supply of housing for full-time residents remains limited. Of note, since 2018 house prices have outpaced wages 4:1 and only 3% of full-time resident of the Valley make enough to afford a median-priced home. At the same time, the Valley is short over 400 housing units necessary to support full-time resident demand.

Enrollment patterns that have held relatively steady district-wide in recent years, even as the balance has shifted, with smaller numbers in the youngest grades and growth in the upper grades. However, smaller incoming classes of younger-aged students will see the district’s student population wane over time as larger classes graduate.

Together, these trends gave the committee a shared, data-informed picture of the affordability and demographic dynamics that affect how many students the District is likely to serve in the years ahead, and at which grade levels.

Looking Ahead The committee will review program and facility capacity data at its next meeting, in addition to prospective housing and development starts and fall stakeholder outreach, building toward the analysis that will inform its long-range recommendations. As in prior sessions, the District remains committed to broad, deliberate opportunities for input, including staff, parent, student, and community engagement, as the work continues.

Meeting materials and summaries are posted to the District website following each meeting for community members who wish to follow along.
Jun 11, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
Methow Valley School District Appoints Student Board Representatives
The Methow Valley School District Board of Directors has appointed Sophia Perin and Kara McMillan to serve as Student Board Representatives for the 2026–27 school year.

Student Board Representatives provide an important connection between students and the Board of Directors, helping ensure that student perspectives are considered in Board discussions and decision-making. Representatives attend Board meetings, share student experiences and viewpoints, and serve as a liaison between students and district leadership.

Sophia Perin brings experience in student leadership, civic engagement, and athletics. She has been involved in opportunities ranging from student government and community engagement activities to Nordic skiing and cycling, and is passionate about strengthening communication between students and district leadership.

Kara McMillan is active in a variety of school and community organizations, including athletics, National Honor Society, Key Club, and 4-H. She is interested in helping students better understand the role of the School Board and ensuring that student voices are represented in district decision-making.

The Board selected the representatives following an application and interview process that included a strong group of student finalists. Candidates demonstrated a commitment to their schools, thoughtful leadership, and a desire to represent the voices of their peers.

"We were impressed by the quality of all of the students who applied for this opportunity," said Superintendent Grant Storey. "The willingness of our students to engage in the work of the district and contribute their perspectives speaks highly of the leadership and character of our student body. We look forward to working with Sophia and Kara as they help strengthen the connection between students and the Board."

The district extends its appreciation to all students who applied and participated in the selection process. Their interest in civic engagement and student leadership reflects the values of the Methow Valley School District and strengthens the connection between students and district governance.

The Student Board Representatives will begin their service this summer and will participate in upcoming Board meetings as they prepare for the 2026–27 school year.
Jun 10, 2026 · Methow Valley School District
Summer Construction and Facility Access Update
Key Information

Construction mobilization begins June 12, with major construction activities beginning June 15.

Summer programs, camps, and community activities will continue throughout the summer.

The Methow Valley Elementary parking lot and Liberty Bell south parking lot will be closed during construction.

Visitors should plan to use the west parking lot at Liberty Bell or the dirt lot south of the tennis courts.

Additional updates will be posted throughout the summer as construction progresses.

Project Overview

The Methow Valley School District is beginning a significant series of facility modernization and repair projects during Summer 2026. These projects represent one of the largest coordinated facility improvement efforts undertaken by the district in many years and focus on preserving district facilities, improving safety systems, and modernizing aging infrastructure.

Major work this summer includes:

Roof replacement and restoration at Methow Valley Elementary

Building envelope repairs, insulation replacement, and masonry restoration

Water damage mitigation and restoration work

New fire alarm systems at both schools

New intercom and clock systems

Updated electronic door access and security infrastructure

Sidewalk improvements and site upgrades at Liberty Bell

Additional facility modernization projects supported through state grants and insurance restoration funding

The majority of this work is expected to be substantially complete before students return in August, although some projects and site improvements may continue into the fall.

Funding and Stewardship

These projects are funded through a combination of:

State Small School Modernization Grants

State Urgent Repair Funding

Insurance-supported restoration funding

These funds are restricted for facility modernization and capital improvement projects and cannot be redirected to support district operating expenses, staffing, or educational programs.

Many of these improvements address infrastructure that has served students and the community for decades and is now due for major renovation or replacement. In addition to preserving district facilities, these projects improve life-safety systems, campus security, building performance, and the overall learning environment.

Parking, Access, and Traffic Changes

Community members should expect increased construction activity throughout the summer, particularly around Methow Valley Elementary.

Parking Changes

The Methow Valley Elementary parking lot will be closed during construction.

The Liberty Bell south parking lot will be closed during construction.

Visitors should use the west parking lot at Liberty Bell or the dirt lot south of the tennis courts.

Temporary fencing, construction vehicles, equipment staging, and modified traffic patterns will be present throughout the summer.

Please follow posted signage and avoid entering fenced or restricted construction areas.

Summer Programs and Community Use

The district has worked closely with contractors, summer program providers, and community partners to maintain access to facilities while ensuring safety around active construction zones.

Summer Programs Will Continue

Challenge Soccer camps will continue as scheduled.

Classroom in Bloom and other summer programs will continue operating.

Community partners have been provided access plans and contingency arrangements as needed.

Participants and families should expect modified access routes, parking locations, and safety procedures in some areas of campus.

Program-specific information will continue to be communicated directly by program organizers.

Athletics and Recreation

Several athletic facilities will remain available throughout the summer, including:

Tennis courts

LBHS Gymnasium

Practice fields

The following facilities are undergoing maintenance and renovation work and are expected to have limited availability throughout much of the summer:

Stadium field

Baseball field

Softball field

Eagle and Cub Gyms

Athletics and activities information will continue to be communicated through coaches, program leaders, and the Activities Office.

Community Facilities Task Force

This summer's modernization projects are part of a broader effort to ensure district facilities continue serving students and the community well into the future.

The Community Facilities Task Force continues evaluating:

Facility conditions

Enrollment trends

Building utilization

Safety and security needs

Long-term capital priorities

The Task Force is developing recommendations for a 20–25 year Facilities Master Plan that will help guide future investments across the district.

Staying Informed

Construction schedules, access routes, and site conditions may change throughout the summer.

The district will continue providing updates through:

District website

District email communications

Program-specific communications

District social media channels, when appropriate

We appreciate the community's patience, flexibility, and support as we complete these important improvements and investments in Methow Valley School District facilities.