File Photo. Left to Right School Board Directors Jennifer Zbyszewski, Chair Dana Stromberger, and Judith Hardmeyer-Wright. Not pictured: Frank Kline.

Disclosure: Writer is a member of RenewED, a local education group.

The Methow Valley School Board announced five finalists for the school board seat vacated by Gary Marchbank Dec. 31. The five finalists are Boo Schneider, Allison Fitzgerald, Brent Swartz, Ina Clark and Hilary Kaltenbach.

The school board made the decision at the conclusion of their meeting Thursday night. Following regularly scheduled reports from the superintendent and principals, the school board met in executive session to select the candidates. Michelle Price, superintendent of North Central Educational Service District, which oversees 29 public school districts in North Central Washington, guided the review process.

Fifteen community members applied for the at-large seat. The school board did not disclose their methodology but thanked everyone for applying. School policy dictates that when there are more than five candidates for a school board vacancy, the school board can only select five to interview. MVSD did not provide biographical information about the candidates, nor did anyone speak during public comment.

The school board will interview the five candidates at their next meeting Jan. 30 at 5:30 pm at the Methow Valley Elementary School Library. The board will select the interim school board director at the conclusion of the interviews. The selected member will need to run for re-election in November to retain their seat.

School Board Chair Dana Stromberger issued the following statement on the MVSD website, “We are deeply grateful for the interest shown by so many engaged community members. Their willingness to serve underscores the value our community places on education and the work we do to support our students and staff. This selection process has highlighted the collective dedication we share in ensuring the best possible outcomes for the children and families of our district.”

Mike Liu, who ran for school board in 2023 and has attended school board meetings, was not selected for an interview.

I am the founder and editor of Methow Valley Examiner, an online publication for locals, by locals. MVE explores stories beyond the headlines.

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