Gary Marchbank, who was first elected to the school board in 2009, announced his intention to resign effective Dec. 31. The announcement was made during a regularly scheduled school board meeting on Thursday night.
MVSD Superintendent Tom Venable read a prepared statement by Marchbank.
“Serving on behalf of our community in support of our schools has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and strived to help every student reach their full potential. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it all.”
Marchbank did not provide a reason for his resignation, but people close to him said he has been in declining health.
School Board Chair Dana Stromberger thanked Marchbank for serving beside her.
“Gary and I, actually, got sworn in at the same meeting. My entire tenure on the school board has been served with Gary. He always has had the ability to bring things right down to reality, keeping it real, and I think has had the most perfect grasp on what education at its core truly is. You’ve taught me a lot about education, Gary, and I’ve appreciated serving with you.” said Stromberger.
“Thank you for making me feel so welcome all of these years and I’m going to miss you terribly,” said School Board Vice Chair Judith Hardmeyer-Wright.
“Thank you for supporting me and most of all, supporting the school,” said Marchbank.
“We couldn’t imagine a better leader to follow than you,” Venable followed.
Marchbank was an elementary school teacher and a counselor in MVSD for six years in the 1960s. He then worked as a logger for 10 years, followed by working as an electrician for almost 30 years.
Venable said there would be a celebration of Marchbank’s service in January during Professional Development Day, currently scheduled for Jan. 31.
Marchbank is expected to attend the remaining two meetings of the school board this year.
Marchbank’s replacement on the school board must be a registered voter who resides in the 4th District, which includes Winthrop and Mazama. At least three school board members must approve the replacement. Board members who have resigned are not allowed to vote for their replacement.
Per MVSD Policy 1114P, school board members will screen candidates. If there are more than five candidates, the school board will select five for interviews that will be open to the public.
Whoever is selected must run in the next regularly scheduled election, in 2025, to retain their seat. Marchbank’s term expires in January 2026. Whoever wins his seat next year will be elected to a four-year term.
Thank you, Gary for your years of service.