Gavin Battig is Liberty Bell’s new performing arts teacher, providing music and drama instruction.
Grayum’s replacement among many staff changes at MVSD
After a decade of growth and a slew of sold-out shows under Kelly Grayum, the Liberty Bell Drama Company has a new director.
Gavin Battig has joined the Methow Valley School District as Liberty Bell Junior/Senior High School’s new performing arts teacher, taking the helm of the school’s drama and music programs.
“We are excited to see Gavin and our students build on the strong foundation Kelly and so many others have created,” Superintendent Grant Storey said.
Before transitioning to become head coach of the Liberty Bell girls’ soccer team, Grayum left an indelible mark on the school’s drama program.
“Over his tenure, he helped grow the program from an enthusiastic group of students taking on a musical into an accomplished company willing to tackle ambitious and challenging productions, frequently performing to sold-out audiences,” Storey said. “Kelly brought tremendous creativity, preparation, attention to detail and countless hours to that work. We are incredibly grateful for what he built and, most importantly, for the experiences he created for our students.”
After Grayum joined what was then Drama Club in 2015, he and club adviser Danbert Nobacon decided to elevate the program into a class, to encourage more participation.
Nobacon and Grayum needed to recruit students who weren’t in the class for their first big musical, “Footloose,” in 2016.
“We really had no idea what we were doing, and it was crazy and fun,” Grayum said. “After that, the class regularly filled up at 30 students per year, sometimes as many as 35.”
Grayum and his team went on to stage a number of memorable shows, including the 2019 musical “Chicago,” which drew a standing-room-only crowd, and “The Laramie Project,” staged under COVID-19 restrictions outdoors at TwispWorks in 2021.
“I am really proud that all of us created something that is unique for a small school, and gave kids who otherwise struggle to find a home at school a place to belong and feel heard,” Grayum said. “I had the time of my life.”
Grayum will make himself available to Battig during the transition, and Dana Stromberger is staying with the Drama Company as voice coach.
In addition to drama, Battig will serve as Liberty Bell’s music teacher, replacing Eva Aneshansley.
Battig grew up on Whidbey Island and earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Florida State University. He is working toward a master’s degree in music from Washington State University, according to a district news release.
“I have had a passion for music since I was 7 years old, and love to play the piano and trombone,” Battig said in the release.
More changes
The district announced several other staff changes over the past few months.
Another long-tenured staffer has left her role. Debbie Bair retired as Liberty Bell’s secretary, opening the door for Kali McCain to take the job.
McCain, a Liberty Bell graduate and a parent to three Methow Valley Elementary students, worked alongside Bair before her departure, to ease the transition.
“She brings a dynamic skill set with experience in psychology and business management, and a strong connection to our schools and community,” the release said.
Haida Ikeda was hired to teach Health Care Careers, a career and technical education course that teaches students about a variety of health care jobs and clinical skills.
Keri Miles is returning to the classroom this year to teach social studies and English language arts at Liberty Bell. Last year she was the internship coordinator for Liberty Bell and the Independent Learning Center.
Liberty Bell graduate Amy Fitkin is the new internship coordinator, having served last year as the Associated Student Body adviser.
“She will help students explore career pathways, build relationships with local employers and community partners, and connect learning at school with opportunities beyond the classroom,” the release said.
Barry Stromberger is returning to the school district after helping to reestablish the district’s welding program in 2011. Stromberger was hired as a long-term substitute for Matt Kennedy to teach welding and automotive repair. He has lived in the Methow Valley for more than 50 years.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Barry’s depth of technical knowledge, teaching experience, and connection to the Methow Valley stepping into this role,” the release said.
Sydney Scheuler, yet another Liberty Bell alum, will oversee the launch of that school’s new WIN (What I Need) intervention and enrichment program.
Scheuler, a Methow Valley native, returned here in 2025 and has been working with Literacy in the Methow, providing literacy and math intervention.
As WIN coordinator, Scheuler will provide students with additional academic support, intervention or opportunities for enrichment.
Ian Bruce, who has worked for decades in behavioral health and has coached youth soccer in the valley, is the new junior high counselor. Some of his past work has involved supporting homeless and high-risk youth. His position is supported by the Public School Funding Alliance.
Lastly, Rachel Stratman and Megan Fraser will join Meridith Dufresne as part of the second grade teaching team for the 2026–27 school year.
