05/18/2026
Preparing for the 2026–27 School Year: Staffing Updates and Transitions
Dear MVSD Families,
As we continue preparing for the 2026–27 school year, we will be sharing a series of staffing updates with our school community throughout the spring and summer. These updates reflect the ongoing work of preparing for a new school year, including retirements, leaves, internal movement, enrollment shifts, new hires, and strategic program planning across the district.
While some staffing changes naturally occur each year, this year also includes thoughtful adjustments connected to enrollment trends and long-term planning efforts already shared with staff and the community. Our goal continues to be maintaining strong opportunities for students while supporting a stable and sustainable school system over time.
We are excited to share the following updates:
Celebrating Retirements and New Adventures
Congratulations, David Aspholm
David Aspholm has announced his retirement from Liberty Bell after 21 years of teaching.
During his time at Liberty Bell, David taught ELA and social studies across countless grade levels, led generations of students on trips to our nation’s capital, coached baseball teams through impressive postseason runs, and contributed enormously to the culture and character of our schools. David has been a beloved teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend to many in our community. Congratulations, David, and thank you for your tremendous service to Methow Valley students and families.
Thank You, Judith Robertson
Judith Robertson will be leaving Methow Valley Schools as her next adventure takes her to Canada.
Judith brought creativity, passion, and artistic inspiration to our students and schools, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions to Methow Arts and our broader school community.
We wish Judith all the best in this exciting next chapter.
Thank You, Eva Aneshansley
Eva Aneshansley has announced that she will not be returning to Liberty Bell following the end of this school year.
Eva plans to remain in the valley and is looking forward to spending more time with her family. We are grateful for the work she has done with our students and wish her all the best moving forward.
Congratulations to Cara Christensen and Wyatt Southworth
Cara Christensen has accepted a position as an Early Literacy Coach, and Wyatt Southworth has accepted a math teaching position at Colegio Panamericano in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
Their family will be relocating to the North Central Andean region, where Wyatt will teach 7th grade mathematics at a Project-Based Learning/STEM school serving students from 18 months through grade 12.
Cara shared that she is excited for this family adventure and the opportunity for continued professional growth. We are grateful for the many contributions Cara and Wyatt have made to our schools and wish them all the best in this exciting next chapter.
Welcoming New Staff and Internal Transitions
Welcome, Ali Grebb – Methow Arts Arts Instructor
Ali Grebb will be serving as our Methow Arts instructor this upcoming school year.
Ali is an experienced educator, having served as a 1st grade and 6th grade teacher in Idaho before moving to the valley in 2021. She is already well known to our staff, students, and community through her work as a substitute teacher across the district, Middle School assistant soccer coach, mountain bike team coach, and leader of art-themed Cub Clubs and summer camps.
Ali brings a deep passion for art and lifelong learning, and she will begin shadowing in art classes next week. Please join us in welcoming Ali to this role.
Welcome, Libby Foley – Junior High and High School Teacher
Libby Foley has accepted a junior high and high school teaching position at Liberty Bell. We are thrilled to welcome her into this new role teaching ELA, social studies, and health.
Libby brings a deep love for Methow Valley students and extensive expertise in literacy instruction and reading support.
Libby shares: “Sixteen years ago, I had the good fortune to be offered a teaching position in the Methow Valley School District. After deciding to live in Winthrop, my young family quickly put down roots and welcomed the birth of our then babies, Charlotte and Gilon. Time flew by as time will do, and I woke up one morning with 25 years of teaching experience, a yard full of free-range chickens, and two teenagers. While my career focus has been on teaching young children to read, I am incredibly excited to work with older students. I consider myself a lifelong learner and relish the opportunity to extend my craft into junior high and high school. When I'm not teaching, waiting patiently for my own children in the LBHS parking lot, or wrangling my two young puppies, I love to walk, craft, and garden. I have experienced a tidal wave of love and support from my friends in the Methow Valley over the years. I am eager to start this next chapter in my life, and I continue to be grateful to live here.”
Welcome, Don Willson – Long-Term Substitute CTE/Construction Teacher
Don Willson has accepted the long-term substitute CTE/Construction position while Wyatt Southworth teaches in Colombia. Don is a National Board Certified CTE teacher and brings a wealth of experience to this role. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team.
Don shares: “I’m excited to join your team. I worked for many years as a carpenter in the Methow Valley before making the switch to teaching, completing my student teaching at Liberty Bell in 2013. Since then I have been teaching mostly woodshop and construction while living in Portland, Oregon over the last eight years. I’m looking forward to returning to the Valley, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, continuing the good work of Wyatt Southworth, and being closer to family, including my two spirited grandchildren.”
Supporting Students and Program Needs
Staffing Update – Special Education
Jake Ross will be transferring to Liberty Bell to support enrollment shifts and student needs within our special education programs.
Jake will work alongside Kim Brunelle, Jill Driver, and other members of the Liberty Bell special education team.
Korrie Perryman will serve as Methow Valley Elementary’s Special Education teacher, supported by a strong team of paraeducators.
Looking Ahead to 2026–27
We know staffing transitions are an important part of school communities, and we are grateful for the many educators and staff members who continue to contribute to Methow Valley schools in different ways and at different stages of life and career.
Additional staffing and hiring updates will continue to be shared with our community throughout the spring and summer as we prepare for another strong school year together.
Sincerely,
Grant Storey
MVSD Superintendent
