Methow Valley School District - Methow Valley School District

Mission and Vision

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.

Superintendent Search

MVSD Selects Dr. Grant Storey to Serve as Superintendent

After facilitating an extensive, months-long Methow Valley School District Superintendent Search and Selection process involving surveys, focus groups, community forums, recruitment, screening, reference checks, interviews, and careful deliberations using feedback provided by students, staff, parents, educational partners, and community members, the Methow Valley School District Board of Directors has unanimously voted to authorize Andy Wolf, Northwest Leadership Associates Search Consultant to extend an invitation to Dr. Grant Storey to serve as the Superintendent of the Methow Valley School District, effective July 1, 2025. This appointment is contingent upon contractual negotiations and final board approval.

About Dr. Grant Storey:

Dr. Grant Storey has over a decade of experience in education and a strong background in teaching, program management, and leadership. He is currently the Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Dual Credit Coordinator for the Methow Valley School District. Committed to the District’s aspirational vision to develop curious, creative, compassionate, competent, action-oriented citizens prepared to change the world, he has led efforts to transform career-focused education and expand opportunities for students to explore career pathways aligned with their strengths and interests. Most recently, Dr. Storey’s work has focused on building community partnerships and securing funding to improve CTE and other district programs, resulting in nearly a million dollars in grants for the district.

Dr. Storey’s career in education began in the Seattle Public Schools, where he made a significant impact as a teacher and coach. He earned recognition as a Distinguished Teacher multiple times (2016-2020) and was honored as a “Rock Star” Career and Technical Education Teacher in 2021. He also held multiple leadership roles, including Head Cross-Country Coach, Head Advisor for the HOSA Future Health Professionals Chapter, and Teacher Leader at Cleveland STEM High School. In addition to teaching, he worked on a variety of collaborative projects, including the development of a curriculum for the University of Washington's Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering and educational outreach for the Institute for Systems Biology.

Since joining the Methow Valley School District in 2021, Dr. Storey has been a key driver of CTE growth, significantly increasing student participation and access to these programs. In 2024, 71% of the graduating class completed a distinct CTE pathway, and many of those students earned industry-recognized credentials or dual credit. Dr. Storey’s leadership extends to supporting the creation of opportunities for students in dual credit. Working with district teachers and in partnerships with institutions like the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Wenatchee Valley College, students can now earn key college credits while still in high school, with some earning up to 25 credits by graduation.

Dr. Storey is deeply involved in the local and regional community, collaborating with local businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations to create real world learning opportunities designed to increase students' access to high-demand, livable-wage careers. Notable examples include working with The Methow Valley Elder Care Network to increase student training in healthcare fields, work with the Western Washington University Sustainability Pathways program to create paid student summer internships as part of the Youth Sustainability Corp, and work as a member of the district's Washington Student Achievement Council Regional Challenge Grant team to create earn to learn opportunities in local trades.

Dr. Storey’s contributions to the Methow Valley have been recognized with the 2023 Regional Network Visionary Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional foresight and innovation in career-connected learning. His work continues to focus on creating opportunities for all students, ensuring they have access to career pathways, industry certifications, and college credit, while expanding and preserving partnerships throughout the valley and region.

Dr. Storey and his wife were married in the Methow Valley in 2012 and have been living full-time with his family in the valley since 2020. They cherish the close-knit, welcoming community, the intentionality in which life is lived, and how the entire community is singularly focused on its commitment to the growth, discovery, and the boundless potential of its youth. He has two smart, independent daughters that are thriving at Methow Valley Elementary School. Outside of work, Grant enjoys camping, playing hockey in the Methow Hockey league, skiing at the Loup, and recreating on the river or one of the valley’s many lakes.

Reminder: MVSD Superintendent Finalists Community Forum – Tuesday, February 25

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

This is a reminder that the MVSD Superintendent Finalists Community Forum will take place on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 pm in the Methow Valley Elementary Library.

The MVSD Board of Directors invites you to meet the two finalists, Julie Price and Grant Storey. During the community forum, each finalist will provide a brief presentation and respond to a series of pre-selected questions developed using feedback previously gathered from the community. Attendees will be encouraged to record their impressions of each candidate and submit their written feedback to the board in support of their final deliberations and decision.

The board anticipates announcing its final decision as early as the regular school board meeting on Thursday, February 27.

We appreciate your engagement in this important process and look forward to your participation.

In partnership,
Dana Stromberger
MVSD Board Chair

Superintendent Search Update – February 21, 2025

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

On behalf of the Methow Valley School District (MVSD) Board of Directors, I would like to inform you that Tom Korst has withdrawn from the Superintendent search process. As a result, the MVSD Board of Directors will proceed with two finalists: Julie Price and Grant Storey.

The MVSD Board of Directors invites the community to attend the Superintendent Finalists Community Forum scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm in the Methow Valley Elementary Library. During the community forum, each finalist will provide a brief presentation, then respond to a series of pre-selected questions that were developed from feedback previously gathered through the Superintendent Survey and focus groups. The board encourages all attendees to record their observations and share them with the board to assist in support of their final deliberations and decision-making process.

The board anticipates announcing its final decision as early as the regular school board meeting on Thursday, February 27.

On behalf of the board, we value your continued engagement in this important process and appreciate your ongoing support.

In partnership,
Dana Stromberger
MVSD Board Chair

February 19, 2025

MVSD Superintendent Update: Board Selects Three Finalists, Invites the Community to Weigh In

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

We are pleased to announce that the Methow Valley School District (MVSD) Superintendent Search and Selection Process has reached an important milestone. Following the completion of the application deadline, screening, reference checks, and preliminary interviews, the MVSD Board of Directors has selected three finalists who will advance to the final round of interviews scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th. The three selected finalists include: Julie Price, Tom Korst, and Grant Storey.

The final round of interviews will take place throughout the day, with each finalist participating in meetings with various stakeholder groups. The process will conclude with a Superintendent Finalists Community Forum at 7:00 pm in the Methow Valley Elementary Library. This forum will provide an opportunity for members of the community to listen to each finalist respond to a series of pre-selected questions developed using information previously gathered from surveys and focus groups, and provide written feedback to the Board of Directors. The input received during this session will play a key role in helping the Board make its final decision.

In advance of the Superintendent Finalists Community Forum, we've included a brief biographical sketch written by each finalist:

Julie Price: Julie Price grew up on a farm and attended a small rural school district, experiences that instilled in her a profound respect for community, resilience, and the transformative power of education. She firmly believes that a strong school system is the heart of a thriving community—an outlook shaped by her many years teaching and leading in both rural and suburban environments.

Julie began her career in public education teaching sixth grade in a middle school setting, followed by roles teaching eighth-grade mathematics in a PACE block and seventh-grade math and science in a junior high. In 2006, she earned her Middle Childhood Generalist National Board Certification, then transitioned to teaching in a K–6 elementary building. During her time as a Teacher on Special Assignment, she served as a district math coach in the Central Valley School District, contributed to math range-finding experiences for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and wrote summative benchmark assessments for the Mead School District.

Over sixteen years in the classroom and ten years as a TK–6 principal, Julie has championed professional learning communities to create highly engaging, data-informed instruction that drives continuous academic growth. Collaborating with outside agencies, she helped establish an early childhood transitional kindergarten program, an effort that underscores her commitment to strengthening foundational learning for every child. Her own educational path—beginning in a small rural community, leading to a community-college credential as a registered dental assistant in San Diego, continuing with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and culminating in a Master’s in Teaching and Principal Certification at Whitworth University—reflects her deep belief in lifelong learning. Most recently, she completed a two-year Superintendent Certification through Washington State University in May 2020, further preparing her to guide Methow Valley Schools forward.

Grounded in the network of her family, Julie has been married for 36 years to a retired United States Navy veteran and business owner. Beyond her passion for education, she loves reading, gardening, and exploring the outdoors through the curious eyes of her three small grandchildren. This commitment to family and community remains at the heart of her leadership philosophy, one she is excited to share with the Methow Valley School District.

Grant Storey: Dr. Grant Storey has over a decade of experience in education and a strong background in teaching, program management, and leadership. He is currently the Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Dual Credit Coordinator for the Methow Valley School District, where committed to the District’s aspirational vision to develop curious, creative, compassionate, competent, action-oriented citizens prepared to change the world, he has led efforts to transform career-focused education and expand opportunities for students to explore career pathways aligned with their strengths and interests. Dr. Storey’s work is focused on building community partnerships and securing funding to improve CTE and other district programs, resulting in nearly a million dollars in grants for the district.

Dr. Storey’s career in education began in Seattle Public Schools, where he made a significant impact as a teacher and coach. He earned recognition as a Distinguished Teacher multiple times (2016-2020) and was honored as a “Rock Star” Career and Technical Education Teacher in 2021. He also held leadership roles, including Head Cross-Country Coach, Head Advisor for the HOSA Future Health Professionals Chapter, and Teacher Leader at Cleveland STEM High School. In addition to teaching, he worked on a variety of collaborative projects, including the development of a curriculum for the University of Washington's Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering and educational outreach for the Institute for Systems Biology.

Since joining the Methow Valley School District in 2021, Dr. Storey has been a key driver of CTE growth, significantly increasing student participation and access to these programs. In 2024, 71% of the graduating class completed a distinct CTE pathway, and many of those students earned industry-recognized credentials or dual credit. Dr. Storey’s leadership extends to supporting the creation of opportunities for students in dual credit. Working with district teachers and in partnerships with institutions like the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Wenatchee Valley College, students can earn key college credits while still in high school, with some earning up to 25 credits by graduation.

Dr. Storey is deeply involved in the local and regional community, collaborating with local businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations to create real world learning opportunities to increase students' access to high-demand, livable-wage careers. Notable examples include working with The Methow Valley Elder Care Network to increase student training in healthcare fields, work with the Western Washington University Sustainability Pathways program to create paid student summer internships as part of the Youth Sustainability Corp, and work as a member of the district's Washington Student Achievement Council Regional Challenge Grant team to create earn to learn opportunities in local trades.

Dr. Storey’s contributions to the Methow Valley have been recognized with the 2023 Regional Network Visionary Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional foresight and innovation in career-connected learning. His work continues to focus on creating opportunities for all students, ensuring they have access to career pathways, industry certifications, and college credit, while expanding and preserving partnerships throughout the valley and region.

Dr. Storey and his wife were married in the Methow in 2012 and have been living full-time with his family in the valley since 2020. They cherish the close-knit, welcoming community, the intentionality in which life is lived, and how the entire community is singularly focused on its commitment to the growth, discovery, and the boundless potential of its youth. He has two smart, independent daughters that are thriving at Methow Valley Elementary School. Outside of work, Grant enjoys camping, playing hockey in the Methow Hockey league, skiing at the Loup, and recreating on the river or one of the valley’s many lakes.

We value your continued participation and engagement in the process. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the search and will remain a critical factor in the final decision.

We appreciate your time, dedication, and ongoing support as we work together to ensure the success of our schools and the future of our district.

In partnership,
Dana Stromberger
MVSD Board Chair

Methow Valley School District News

Mar 14, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
A Message MVSD Families from Superintendent Venable
Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community,

It has been a heavy week for the Methow Valley - Our schools, students, parents, staff, and the community at-large. For most of us who have chosen the Methow Valley as a place to call home, we do because of the value we hold for the place itself, the people, the culture, and the opportunity to raise healthy children. As such, we wear many hats. Regardless of the number of hats each of us wear, at the end of the day, the hat we all share reflects our collective level of care for our youth, their safety, and well-being. The level of care and response to the recent events has been reflected throughout the week as evidenced by the many emails, phone calls, as well as those in attendance at last night's school board meeting.

In light of the recent incidents, I want to let you know that I hear you... As such, I wish to provide you with a response to some of the concerns expressed about communications, "frequently asked questions" about our emergency response protocols, where we are at in the process, and what you can anticipate moving forward.

Concerns Expressed About Communication: Admittedly, I have struggled to promote clarity and keep pace in communicating information with you during a short period of time involving two events, both of which have demanded our time, energy, and effort, singularly focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of our students and staff. Based upon the feedback received, it is clear that my initial attempts to provide clarity involving two separate incidents, both of which have unfolded in close proximity to one another, each involving potential threats directed at others, one outside of the school setting and the other within the context of the school setting, resulted in some confusion.

Additionally, I acknowledge that my efforts fell short to provide you with timely and relevant notification on Tuesday morning following the incident reported to us on Monday. More specifically, our efforts to effectively communicate the status of our schools (the threat has been secured and remains open or the threat has not been secured and our schools are closed) prior to 6:00 am, allowing each of you to make an informed decision about your student's attendance. I can do better. Moving forward, I wish to assure you that, no different from our Emergency Closures, Delays, and Emergency Bus Routes protocols, I will communicate what I know with regard to situations involving potential threats from a singular point of communication via Skyward and School Messenger, consistent with our Emergency Operations Procedures communications protocol.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the frustration described by many who have requested more detailed information. However, as a representative of a public school district, I am legally bound by laws governing the educational right to privacy involving every student. As such, you can expect that our focus will remain on evaluating the situation and providing timely and relevant information designed to support the safety and welfare of your student.

MVSD Emergency Operations Procedures: In response to some of the frequently asked questions we've received about the MVSD's Emergency Operations Plan and related procedures, I've provided a brief overview using the MVSD Threat Protocol and a hypothetical example below. I should note that the MVSD's Emergency Operations Plan, using the FEMA-Incident Command System, was developed by the MVSD Emergency Operations Committee prior to the pandemic. It has been updated annually in partnership with the NCESD Crisis Co-op and the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office.

Example: Threat to Harm Self and/or Others

Report: As with any incident, the district's response to a situation where there is concern about student and staff safety is prompted by a report about an incident. The report can be initiated by a student, staff member, parent, or community member.

Response: Once received, a school official assesses the seriousness and immediacy of the threat.

Collaborate : If the threat appears serious, or if there is doubt about the severity, the school official notifies law enforcement, providing information gathered through the initial assessment of the situation.

Isolate: Depending on where the threat takes place, school officials and law enforcement work together to isolate the threat, ensuring the safety and welfare of the student and others.

Investigation/Threat Assessment: Once the threat has been isolated, the school official initiates an investigation. This includes notifying the parents of the student who was alleged to have made threatening statements, interviewing the student who made the threat, witnesses, classmates, and others who may have information pertaining to the incident. Additionally, this includes a review of the student's prior history, determining if there is a pattern of behavior, and the facilitation of a threat assessment. If it's determined that the situation is serious in nature, it may be that law enforcement officials will take a parallel or lead role in conducting an investigation and threat assessment, helping to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the safety and welfare of all students.

Action: Depending upon the severity of the threat, action can include a range of disciplinary action, including expulsion. It can also include access to resources in support of impacted students and staff. Additionally, if law enforcement action causes a student to be placed in detention, the student would then be enrolled and served by the district where the detention center is located.

Communication: If the district were to receive notification of a threat during the school day and we were not able to isolate the threat, we would initiate a lockdown, notify law enforcement, and notify parents. If the threat was made outside of the school day, and based upon our initial investigation, it appeared to be directed at our schools, we would work with law enforcement to isolate the threat, then notify parents that the threat has been isolated, our schools are safe, and remain open, or the threat has not been isolated the threat, and are schools will be closed.

Where we are at in the Process: At present, we are continuing to work within the framework of our Emergency Operations Procedures and the protocol described above in collaboration with law enforcement. At present, the student is not enrolled with the MVSD.

Where we're headed: Following the completion of the process, the MVSD will reconvene the Emergency Operations Committee who will be tasked with designing and facilitating a series of trainings in support of students, staff, and parents.

Thank you for working with us to ensure the safety and well-being of every student.

Sincerely,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District
Mar 10, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
MVSD Artists Shine at Regional Art Show with Multiple Awards and Students Advancing to State Show
On Thursday, February 13, the Wenatchee Valley Cultural Museum received artwork from nine talented artists from the Methow Valley School District (MVSD), representing both Liberty Bell High School (LBHS) and the Methow Valley Independent Learning Center (ILC). The pieces were displayed in the Regional Art Show, which officially opened on Friday afternoon. The exhibition features an impressive collection of works by MVSD students, including pieces by Chicane Ashford, Kaden Borowski, Lucy Riggs, and Tristan Hover, whose participation has been met with enthusiastic praise. MVSD is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these young artists.

State High School Art Show Advancements

The show marked a major milestone for three MVSD students, whose artwork was selected for the prestigious Best of Show category. These pieces are among the 15 works from the region that will advance to the State High School Art Show in Olympia this April. The MVSD honorees are:

Lily Arntsen (Methow Valley ILC) for A Blood-Stained Dress (Acrylic Painting)

Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC) for Plums (Colored Pencil Drawing)

Elliot Pixie-Plott (Liberty Bell HS) for A Morning’s Cup of Reali-tea (Gouache Painting)

Category Awards and Honorable Mentions

In addition to the Best of Show recognitions, MVSD students earned awards in several categories:

Mixed Media – 3rd Place: Audrey Roman (Liberty Bell HS) for Anatomy of Thought

3-Dimensional – Honorable Mention: Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC) for Mystic

Digital Media – 3rd Place: Ghost Miranda (Liberty Bell HS) for Assorted Stickers

These awards reflect the depth of talent and creativity nurtured in the MVSD art programs. Additional categories included Drawing, Painting, and Photography, with several other student works being showcased.

CWU Scholarship Recognition

Last but not least, the MVSD is also proud to announce that Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC), who won a category award for Plums, was selected as one of only eight students to receive the Central Washington University (CWU) Art Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by Gregg Schlanger, Dean of Art+Design at CWU, includes tuition waivers for the recipient, offering a significant opportunity for Izabel as she pursues further education in the arts.

Please join us as we congratulate our participating artists and their teacher, Erik Brooks for creative expression and dedication in support of the Arts.
Mar 7, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
MVSD Classified Staff Appreciation Week: Classified Staff, "We Love You!"

Dear Methow Valley Students, Parents, and Community Members,

Next week is Classified Staff Appreciation Week! Beginning Monday, March 10th and continuing throughout the remainder of next week, the Methow Valley School District Board of Directors, administrative team, and staff will be recognizing the exceptional work of our classified staff in support of our students, staff, parents, and community.

It goes without saying, they are the backbone of the school district...

It begins bright and early, each and every day, with our bus drivers, who navigate adverse weather conditions, safely transport our students to and from school, covering the largest geographic attendance area in the state. Whether it be students, parents, volunteers, or staff members, their safe arrival to school is followed by a warm, welcoming greeting provided by a talented team of secretaries who provide the broadest range of services possible, with a smile. As the school day unfolds, our students receive exceptional teaching and learning opportunities, thanks in part to a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced team of para-educators who skillfully facilitate instructional support, childcare, after-school clubs and activities, career and college counseling services, and library/media services. Sometimes, there is a pause in the action. Services are disrupted due to a bump or bruise, illness, vision and hearing screens, or otherwise... only to be made better by our competent, caring school nursing staff. And, of course, it's hard to be a learner if you're hungry. Fortunately, our Head Cook, Laura Wottlin, and her exceptional food services team, work tirelessly to ensure our students and staff remain well-nourished and fueled throughout the day.

At the end of the day, we all know that learning is a messy endeavor. In fact, a former kindergarten teacher once said to me, "Teaching kindergarten is like throwing a birthday party for 18 five-year olds, all day. Lots of glitter. Lots of glue." You get the picture... Fortunately, our hardworking custodial-maintenance staff are there to pick up the pieces, cleaning and disinfecting classrooms, maintaining our facilities, and tending to the grounds.

Please join us as we thank our bus drivers, secretaries, para-educators, custodial-maintenance staff, food services team, and school nursing staff during Classified Appreciation Week (March 10-14), in recognition of their exceptional service!

With gratitude,

Tom Venable

Superintendent, Methow Valley School District
Mar 2, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
LBHS Students Shine at the 2025 National History Day (NHD) Regional Competition, Advancing to the State Finals
On the court, in the classroom, and in the community... What can't these amazing Methow Valley youth accomplish?

The MVSD is pleased to announce that 17 LBHS students, accompanied by LBHS History Teacher/NHD Coach, Scott Barber, traveled to Cheney, WA this past weekend, where they presented their National History Day projects at the regional competition.

Serving as an opportunity to showcase their learning and compete for a spot at the 2025 NHD State Competition, we're pleased to announce that multiple students (names and projects to follow) will be advancing to the 2025 NHD State Competition.

Scheduled to take place on April 26th, NHD participants competing in the State competition will have an opportunity to compete for a chance to compete in the National Finals scheduled to take place at the University of Maryland in June, joining a growing list of LBHS scholars.

What is the National History Day (NHD) Contest?

As described on the NHD website, "...students around the world discover history through National History Day® (NHD) by creating historical research projects. Through the process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking."

The NHD website also states that NHD’s core program is its competition in which students in grades 6–12 choose a topic and dive deeply into the past by conducting extensive research in libraries, archives, and museums. They then present their conclusions and evidence through papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites, moving through a series of contest levels where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.

Previous LBHS NHD national finalists include Leki Albright, Ayla Belsby, Keeley Brooks, and most recently, Tesh Karpenko.

Please join us as we congratulate all our 2025 LBHS NHD students, LBHS History teacher and NHD Advisor, Scott Barber, our NHD parent advisors, thank the PSFA, and cheer on those who will be advancing to the 2025 NHD State competition!
Feb 25, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
Spring Photos
Spring Photos are March 11th

Offsite LINK to order
Feb 17, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
2/18/25 Special School Board Meeting
METHOW VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Agenda

Saturday, February 18th, 2025

Special Meeting 8:45 am

Methow Valley School District Office
Feb 14, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
Special School Board Meeting
Agenda

METHOW VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Saturday, February 15th, 2025

Special Meeting 2:00 pm

Methow Valley School District Office
Feb 14, 2025 · Methow Valley School District
Safe Storage Firearm Storage Workshop
* At The Winthrop Public Library

* Tuesday March 11th @ 5:30 PM