Superintendent Defends Appointment of Related Members to Facilities Task Force

Superintendent Grant Storey defended his decision to appoint persons related to one another to the Community Facilities Task Force. The task force will make recommendations to the superintendent and school board in May 2027 on capital improvement projects in the school district.

MVSD received 30 applications to join the task force, out of which 22 were selected. The task force also includes six district representatives, including School Board President Dana Stromberger. Her husband, Barry Stromberger, was selected to the task force, as was Town of Twisp Building Inspector Larry Surface and his daughter-in-law, Methow Valley Elementary Teacher Tiffany Surface.

Storey made the selections following consultations with Dana Stromberger and School Board Director Jennifer Zbyszweski.

“As is common in a small community, some members may know one another or have family connections. Each member participates as an individual and agrees to follow the district’s guidelines for citizen advisory groups,” said Storey.

Storey provided the following longer explanation to MVE.

I personally spoke with each applicant and offered to meet individually to hear their perspectives. Several applicants ultimately determined they could not commit to the full 15-month term after learning more about the expectations and time requirements. Others applied as representatives of partner organizations; in those cases, we determined that targeted focus groups or individual conversations would be a more effective way to gather their organization’s input while allowing for broader at-large community representation on the task force. Additionally, some applicants chose to direct their efforts in other ways after seeing the strong level of community interest.

Our goal in forming the task force was to bring together a group that reflects a range of community perspectives, while also ensuring members are able to fully participate in a long-term, working advisory process. The task force serves in an advisory capacity, and its role is to develop recommendations for the school board’s consideration.

– MVSD Superintendent Grant Storey

Storey explained the selection process in greater detail.

Applicants Not Selected

“There was strong interest from community members in serving on the task force. Because the group needed to remain a workable size, not all applicants could be appointed. Each Applicant not selected has been offered an opportunity to meet individually and offer and provide input into the process. Out of respect for individuals who applied but were not selected, the district does not normally release the names of applicants who were not appointed.”

Selection Process

“Community members submitted interest forms describing their background and interest in serving. Consistent with the charter, appointments to the task force were made by the Superintendent, after reviewing the applications and taking feedback from the district Administrative leadership team and Ex-Officio Board Task Force representatives Dana Stromberger and Jennifer Zbyszweski with the goal of assembling a broad cross-section of community perspectives and experiences.”

Administrative Team

“The task force operates under the guidance of the Superintendent and works with district administrative staff and outside consultants who provide technical expertise and resources to support the group’s work.”

How Applicants Were Identified

“The district publicly invited community members to apply through district communication channels, and interested individuals submitted applications voluntarily.”

Public Interaction and Transparency

“One of the primary responsibilities of the task force is to deeply engage staff, parents, and stakeholders as it develops its understanding of facility needs and community perspectives. Meeting notes and action plans will be submitted to the district office and posted on the district website so the community can follow the progress of the task force’s work.”

Meetings

“Task force meetings are working sessions focused on reviewing facility conditions, technical information, and long-term planning considerations. The task force itself does not take formal action or make district decisions; it provides input that may inform future administrative and board discussions.”

Consertus Consulting Firm

When asked if Consertus was hired to push the facilities task force to approve the projects under consideration, Storey responded with the following:

We engaged Consertus, along with Dr. Wade Smith and Dr. Gene Smith, because of their extensive experience supporting small school districts in complex facilities planning processes. Their work includes coordinating large advisory groups, designing and facilitating surveys and focus groups, and helping identify appropriate technical expertise. Their role is to ensure that a wide range of community perspectives are gathered, represented, and considered as part of developing a long-term facilities plan and any recommendations brought forward to the board.

They also bring expertise in outlining a continuum of potential funding strategies for capital improvements, including state funding opportunities and grants that may help offset costs to the local community. The district is very cognizant of its role as a responsible steward of public resources and is committed to carefully evaluating all options to maximize available funding while minimizing financial impact on local taxpayers. At this stage, however, it would be premature to suggest that this process will lead to a specific funding measure such as a levy or bond. Any such decisions would ultimately be made by the board following the advisory process and with community input.

Storey emphasized that the task force serves in an advisory capacity only.

“The task force does not determine how district funds are used, does not authorize expenditures, and does not make decisions about levies or other funding measures. The group serves strictly in an advisory capacity, and any decisions regarding funding strategies, capital projects, or potential ballot measures would remain solely with the Superintendent and the School Board.”