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.
The Methow Valley School District is saddened to share that Gary Marchbank, former school board director and lifelong advocate for education, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Gary was a pillar in our community, friend and mentor to many, and an enduring school board director with 16 years of service to the school community. Throughout his tenure, he championed Career and Technical Education, supported pathways to graduation and beyond, and worked tirelessly to ensure every student was valued and treated with dignity. He famously said, “Education is at its best when it provides students with an opportunity to rub elbows with the real world.”
Known for his humility, wisdom, and ability to listen, Gary emphasized the importance of respect, dialogue, and relationships. He often shared, “The greatest human empowerment is the ability to change one’s mind. Our schools do best when we listen to each other, embrace civil discourse, and seek common ground.” His guidance and perspective are especially resonant in today’s divided climate.
Gary first moved to the Methow Valley in 1968. Before serving on the school board from 2009 to 2024, he worked as an elementary school teacher and counselor, a woodcutter, and an electrician for over 30 years. Gary’s family is deeply rooted in the community, with three children and three grandchildren who graduated from the Methow Valley School District. He was also an avid sports fan and accomplished mountaineer—a true embodiment of the Methow spirit.
Gary Marchbank leaves a remarkable legacy of leadership, integrity, and community service. His contributions will continue to inspire the Methow Valley for generations to come.
On November 18th, 2025, Methow Valley School District's Independent Learning Center was featured in the Education Reimagined article: "From Margins to Models: How Alternative Schools Can Lead the Way in Student Engagement.
The article highlights the ILCs shift in design to focus on student interest and real-world learning and its corresponding sustained high engagement and graduation rate for students.
Congrats to the students and staff at the ILC for collaborating and working together to create a national model for how to design a school culture that builds deep engagement for schools that are trying to develop a purpose-driven culture that centers students’ interests and goals and situates students’ project work in real-world contexts.
Education Reimagined is an educational think tank focused on making learning centered education more available by looking beyond what we know as "school" to create a better, more equitable design for creating community-based, learner-centered public school ecosystems.
When: Thursday, November 27th Noon to 3 PM
Where: 193B Old Twisp Hwy
The Methow Valley United Methodist Church is hosting a free to all Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey, ham, all the trimmings and Pie!
Grace Katz is honored to step into the role of head coach for Liberty Bell Cheer. Drawing on her experience in vocational coaching, along with a passion for and experience in cheer, dance, and gymnastics, she looks forward to helping cheerleaders grow their skills, confidence, and creativity. She plans to bring a variety of dance styles and foundational gymnastics into practices to build a well-rounded, expressive, and technically strong team.
Above all, Grace believes cheer should be fun, uplifting, and inclusive, and she is committed to fostering a supportive culture where participants feel energized, motivated, and excited to grow together while building skill and school spirit.
METHOW VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 350
OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Notice of special meeting for Board of Director attendance of the Washington State School Directors Association Annual Conference; No final actions will be taken.
Notice is hereby given, pursuant RCW 42.30.080 and board policy 1400 and 1810, that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Methow School District No. 350, Okanogan, County, Washington (the “District”) will hold a special meeting on Thursday, November 20th commencing at 12:00 PM to Saturday, November 22nd ending at 12:30 PM. The conference is located at the Hyatt Regency Seattle located at 808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101. The meeting is called for the purpose of allowing the board and superintendent to attend the annual WSSDA conference and to attend workshops and educational sessions together regarding board communications, governance best practices, increasing student and community voice, and effective long term goal setting and strategy design including facilities planning. The conference is open to the public to observe and listen. There will be no public comment or action taken by the board at this meeting. Meeting Agenda and meeting materials are available on the District website methow.org or may be obtained by contacting the district office at 509-996-9205.
METHOW VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 350
OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON
/s/ Dr. Grant Storey
Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Directors
When: Wednesday, Nov 19th, 2025
Presentation: 6:00-7:30 PM
Where: Twisp Grange
Isaac Cordes, LBHS Culture Coordinator will be presenting restorative practices that turn "How was your day?" into meaningful conversation. Gain practical tools to check in with your teen, understand what's really going on, and support them in making good choices.
The event is FREE and geared towards parents of teens and pre-teens. Light snacks and treats provided.
This community night is made possible by the Methow Valley PSFA in partnership with MVSD
When: Thursday 11/6
Dinner- 5:30- 6:00 pm
Presentation- 6:00-7:00 pm
Where: OPS Building 619 Okoma Dr., Omak
Okanogan County Child Development Association will be leading a training on practical ways to handle tough moments with less stress and more understanding- all while helping your child feel safe and supported
Thursday, November 6th | 5:30–7:00 PM | LBHS Library
Join us for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what our kids are seeing and doing online. We’ll talk about the latest social media and drug trends, how cyberbullying and online drama really show up, and the clever ways some teens get around parental controls. We’ll also cover what the law says about online safety, how to spot red flags in online connections, and which apps or tools can help you stay involved in your child’s digital life.
This evening is designed to help parents feel more confident and connected in guiding kids through today’s online world. (Some content may be sensitive and is intended for adults only.)
If contents fail to load, please reload page.