A science teacher, a librarian and a teacher aide were recognized as the latest Excellence in Service Award winners at the Liberty Central School District Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 7.

Cindy Nolan

Nolan, a science teacher at the high school, was recognized for her interactions with students and staff, alike.

“When students are upset or not in a good mood, she gives them a listening ear and at times a big hug and lets them know their day will get better. In the morning, she greets all students with a vibrant ‘hello’ and speaks loudly to let them know if it’s an A or a B day. She smiles and greets all those walking through the hall,” her nomination read. “She is there for her colleagues, as well, when they are going through tough times, she has a listening ear and takes her time, before, during or after school to listen and assist you with whatever you need.”

Her impact on students and former students can be easily seen.

“Students enter her classroom excited and when she is absent, they are disappointed that she is not there,” her nomination read. “Students who have graduated come to visit her to speak with her, informing her of how they are excelling in their next years of life.

“Ms. Nolan is a caring teacher, colleague, friend and just wonderful person overall,” the nomination continued. “I believe she should be recognized because she is always working to serve others, through educating, listening, assisting and caring.”

Jill Parks

Parks, the Middle School librarian, works tirelessly for her students and co-workers.

“Jill Parks is innovative and is a dedicated teacher. She consistently exceeds expectations, not only for her students but also for her colleagues,” the nomination read. “Known for her unwavering willingness to lend a hand, Jill goes above and beyond to support others.”

Her actions leading up to the Winter Festival displayed her commitment to excellence.

“Despite battling illness, she demonstrated remarkable perseverance by spearheading multiple mini maker faire activities,” the nomination read. “Her meticulous planning, from gathering necessary items to creating signs, ensured the seamless execution of all planned activities throughout the festival, though she was unable to be present for the event.”

Her collaborative spirit can also be seen throughout the building.

“She is dedicated to the Wellness Committee and continues to strive to get grants to help enhance the learning of students at Liberty Central School,” the nomination read. “She readily makes herself available to assist anyone in need, embodying the true essence of a team player”.

LaTrease Burdick

Burdick, a teacher aide at the Elementary School, was recognized for her kindness and dedication.

Her nomination said she should be honored “for always going above and beyond for students, being proactive in her job, building relationships with students throughout the elementary school building (and) always spreading kindness and coming to work each day with a smile on her face.”

Each month, staff members nominate others they believe are going above and beyond, be it a single act of excellence or kindness or a continuous work ethic.

We congratulate these employees on their awards.

This morning, May 8, a middle school student reported to a bus driver and monitor that they heard another student make a threatening statement toward the middle and high school while the bus was stopped at Liberty Elementary. The driver immediately reported the incident to Rolling V, who promptly notified the district and Liberty Police Department. The LES school resource officer responded and LPD investigated. It was determined the threat was noncredible.

“The safety of our staff and students is our top priority,“ Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “I am thankful for the quick action of the Rolling V bus driver and the Liberty Police Department.”

Construction expected to begin in the fall

While no dirt has been moved nor a sledge hammer yet swung, work on the Capital Project approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January is moving forward.

After speaking with administrators and staff who will be impacted by the work, a basic schedule of the work has been created. The plan was recently presented to the board of education.

Maintenance Building

The maintenance building structure for the Building and Grounds Department, which has already been approved by the state Education Department following the 2021 project vote, is expected to go to bid this summer and early fall, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall and be completed by late summer 2025.

Phase 1

The next phase will be broken into three sections, with all expected to be submitted for SED approval in July, and bidding to be in February and March 2025.

• Phase 1A will include exterior stair replacement and emergency generator replacement at the high school; interior door replacement at the middle school, and hazardous flooring abatement and replacement at the elementary school. The work at the athletics field is also in the phase. That will include the synthetic turf field installation, running track and field events upgrades, scoreboard, public address system and bleacher replacement, the addition of site and athletic lighting, sidewalk replacement, and replacement of the press box with a pre-engineered metal building. Construction of this phase is anticipated to take place spring 2025 through spring 2026.
• Phase 1B will be the boiler replacement in the Elementary School, with construction expected to take place in summer 2025.
• Phase 1C will be the installation of new emergency generators in the middle school and district office and the replacement of electrical distribution panels of the middle school. Construction of this phase is expected in summer 2026.

Phase 2

The second phase of the project will be at the elementary school, with the boiler conversion (steam to hot water) completed, gymnasium ventilation added, HVAC controls upgraded, unit ventilators installed and the wood flooring in classrooms replaced. The project is expected to be submitted for approval to the NYSED in September with bidding anticipated in May or June 2025 and construction to be completed in summer 2026.

Phase 3

The final phase will include renovations to the 300 wing and cafeteria, as well as work needed to convert the former maintenance space into the innovation lab, at the high school. The third phase will also include HVAC controls upgrades at the high school and middle school, new carbon monoxide systems in all three school buildings and the district office, new emergency lighting and repairs for the transformer and chiller at the middle school, and roof fascia repairs and gymnasium seating handrail upgrades at the elementary school. The final phase is expected to be submitted to NYSED for approval in January 2025, with bidding anticipated to follow in November and December 2025. Construction is expected to take place during the summers of 2026 and 2027.

The full capital project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The presentation can be seen at https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/liberty/Board.nsf/files/D49JCW4C71CF/$file/CS%20Arch%20Presentation%20April%2016%2C%202024.pdf