• Reminder: LES families, the Lemonade Supermarket parking lot is not to be used for picking up or dropping off students or during special events. Please see a message from Lemonade management and the LCSD superintendent here. 
  • School Taxes: Taxes can be paid in person at the Liberty CSD District Office, behind the high school, at 115 Buckley St. at the following times:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Friday, Sept. 5; Thursday, Sept. 11; Wednesday, Sept. 17; Monday, Sept. 22; Saturday, Sept. 27; or Tuesday, Sept. 30; or 5 to 7 p.m.: Wednesday, Sept. 24. For more information on paying taxes, visit our Tax Bill FAQs page.
  • Under construction: The athletic field and track area is no longer accessible to the public.  The area will be closed as construction continues.
  • Update: A portion of the Elementary Ballfield remains closed. Please respect the barrier in place.

School Boards Association to honor two from Liberty

Two people who have had a positive impact on Liberty Central School District will be honored next month by the Sullivan County School Boards Association.

High school math teacher Edward Lare will be presented with an Outstanding Educator Award, and cleaner Mary Chanov will receive an Outstanding District Employee Award.

“These two individuals embody what it means to be a Liberty Redhawk, with dedication to making Liberty a great place to learn,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

Mr. Edward Lare

Mr. LareMr. Lare has worked for Liberty for four years. He was nominated by High School Principal Stephen Matuszak for his “extraordinary commitment to excellence in education and his unwavering dedication to his students’ success.”

Mr. Matuszak also highlighted Mr. Lare’s teaching method that personalizes instruction, encourages students to take ownership of their learning and balances structure with creativity, “ensuring that each lesson is meaningful, relevant, and accessible to learners of all abilities.”

Mr. Lare embodies lifelong learning. He enrolled in the new Coding Course through Sienna College, which will allow him to integrate coding and technology into his curriculum. “This endeavor not only reflects his passion for professional growth but also his commitment to equipping students with critical 21st-century skills,” Mr. Matuszak wrote in his nomination letter. “Edward is preparing his students for future opportunities and challenges in an increasingly digital world.”

Mr. Lare’s influence can be found beyond the classroom, by supporting students through mentoring, extra-curricular involvement and by fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. “His approachable nature and genuine care for students create a safe and welcoming space where learners feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking academic risks,” Mr. Matuszak wrote. “Many students have shared how Edward’s encouragement and support have made a lasting impact on their lives.”

He also has a positive impact on his colleagues, regularly sharing innovative teaching strategies and actively participates in professional development opportunities.

“In summary, Mr. Edward Lare exemplifies the qualities that make an outstanding educator: passion, innovation, dedication, and a heartfelt commitment to student-centered learning,” Mr. Matuszak wrote.

Mr. Lare thanked his co-workers for their support over the past four years. “Receiving the SCSBA is truly an honor and is humbling considering the outstanding educators who have received this award in the past,” he said. “It has always been a privilege working at Liberty with all of the dedicated staff members, supportive administration, and an incredible mentor, who all continuously inspire me to be the best teacher that I can be.”

Ms. Mary Chanov

Mary ChanovMs. Chanov has been a staple at Liberty Central School District for 25 years, serving in various roles including as a substitute, a teacher aide, a cafeteria monitor and the last 10 as a cleaner.

“Ms. Chanov exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, professionalism and compassion, making her a truly invaluable asset to our school district,” Dr. Sullivan wrote in his nomination letter.

She has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of students, staff and the entire school community, going above and beyond the call of duty. She regularly volunteers to work on weekends and after hours, ensuring that students have full access to their extracurricular activities.

Ms. Chanov plays a crucial role in maintaining and securing Liberty school facilities. She takes great pride in ensuring the buildings are always in excellent condition and safe for everyone.

“On numerous occasions, I have personally witnessed her working diligently on Saturdays, shampooing carpets, tidying offices, and even nurturing the plants in my own workspace, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant,” Dr. Sullivan wrote. “These small but thoughtful actions highlight her attention to detail and her genuine care for the environment in which we all work and learn.”

Ms. Chanov’s presence in common areas such as the cafeteria is an ongoing source of support and encouragement for students offering a kind word, a helping hand, or simply by creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere. “In this way, Ms. Chanov’s contributions extend far beyond her job description; she helps build a nurturing community where students feel valued, secure, and supported,” Dr. Sullivan wrote.

She also has had a positive impact on faculty and staff, assisting her colleagues through practical help, moral support, or simply by being a dependable and positive presence.

“Ms. Mary Chanov embodies the essence of an outstanding district employee,” Dr. Sullivan wrote. “Her dedication, compassion and tireless work ethic have a profound and lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the school environment as a whole.”

Liberty has also had an impact on Ms. Chanov, who will be retiring in January.

“During my career I’ve made so many friends and I cherish them. The learning I received from the students was priceless. It’s assisted me in helping other students throughout my career. I’ve learned to listen and appreciate the kids,” she said.  “It made me a better person and taught me how to help them.

“Receiving this award is an honor and a privilege,” she added. “I owe this award to the kids and to God for putting me in the best place to work.”

The awards will be presented at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at the SCSBA annual awards dinner and meeting in the Beechwoods Clubhouse at the Villa Roma at 356 Villa Roma Road in Callicoon.

Liberty BOE to meet, have new teacher, newly tenured teacher reception

The next Board of Education meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the High School Media Center at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty. The Board anticipates to enter into executive session (not open to the public) immediately.  At 5:30 p.m. the board anticipates to end the executive session and suspend the continuation of the meeting until 6 p.m.  There will be a new teacher and newly tenured teacher reception at 5:30 p.m., also in the HS Media Center.

The regular portion of the meeting, open to the public, is expected to resume at 6 p.m.  The agenda will be available on Monday, Sept. 8, at Board Docs.

A back to school message from the superintendent

Dear Liberty families,

I look forward to seeing our students for the first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4. For details on school building schedules, please visit the school websites: Liberty High School, Liberty Middle School and Liberty Elementary School. For general information, visit the district website.

A few reminders and updates before the school year begins:

The athletic field (football field/track area) is off limits to the public as construction continues.

There is also a portion of the ballfield on the elementary school that is still closed to the public as well. Please respect the barriers in place.

I am also happy to inform you that the culvert replacement at the elementary school is complete with access from North Main Street available. For specific pickup and drop off information, visit the elementary school website.

If you have any questions about the upcoming school year, please visit our website, review information provided at our community forum, contact your children’s school buildings or email questions@libertyk12.org.

Working together, I am sure we can make this school year the best one yet.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick Sullivan

Superintendent

Redhawks faculty and staff return to gear up for 2025-26 school year

Cars filled the parking lots at the Liberty Middle/High School on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, as faculty and staff were welcomed back to their first day of school.

After catching up with colleagues and meeting new ones, the Liberty Redhawks gathered in the auditorium for the opening day program.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan welcomed everyone with a theme of “impact.”

“I encourage everyone to think about the person who impacted you,” he said, “that person might be why you are here today. Impact creates hope, and hope inspires greatness.”

The goals of the opening conference days are to help ensure that impact aligns with the district’s five-year strategic plan and to ensure all are on the same page to make Liberty a great place to learn.

After speeches by Board of Education President Pamela Teed Fisk and union presidents, Dr. Sullivan and the school principals presented years of service pins to several staff members, with special recognition to three who have served LCSD for 32 years.

A man in front of a screen with "Our Strategic Plan and intents" on a screen.The strategic plan, District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and related plans were next on the agenda. Dr. Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Derek Adams reviewed the plans and specific programs, policies and procedures with faculty and staff.

The important issues of mental health and technology safety were also addressed Tuesday morning.

Following union meetings and lunch, faculty and staff returned to their classrooms and buildings to complete required courses and trainings.

The learning will continue on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with building- and department-based meetings and activities throughout the day in preparation for the first day of school for students on Thursday, Sept. 4.

District issues reminders on safety

Safety is a top priority for the Liberty Central School District. As school begins, the district wanted to remind its families of some of the safety procedures and terms. Families are asked to review the information available at  https://www.libertyk12.org/about-us/liberty-central-school-district-emergency-information-guide/.

Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.

Sports schedule, and results, for the week of Sept. 1-7, 2025

Our student-athletes kick off the season this week (really this time) with soccer and football. The girls varsity game originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 29, was canceled.

Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.

The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.

Monday, Sept. 1

No events scheduled.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

2 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Sidney, Jane Flannery Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School

2 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Sidney, James Campbell Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School
Results:  Liberty 5, Sidney 0.  Ryan Romero Bello earned Man of the Game with 1 goal and 1 assist. Shout out to Justin Simon as well with the clean sheet.

A soccer player holds a trophy.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

4:30 or 7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer, Jane Flannery Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School (4:30 p.m. if Liberty loses game 1, 7 p.m. if wins)

Thursday, Sept. 4

7 p.m.: Boys Varsity Soccer, James Campbell Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School

4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Liberty High School

Friday, Sept. 5

4 p.m.: Girls JV Soccer vs. Monticello at Monticello High School

4:30 p.m.: Boys JV Soccer vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School

4:30 or 7 p.m.: Girls Varsity Soccer, Jane Flannery Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School (4:30 p.m. if Liberty loses game 1-fifth or seventh place game, 7 p.m. if wins-consolation or final)

Saturday, Sept. 6

Noon:  Varsity football vs. Walton at Walton High School

noon, 2, 4:30 or 7: Boys Varsity Soccer, James Campbell Soccer Tournament, Downsville Central School (noon if Liberty loses both games-seventh place game; 2 p.m. if loses game 1 and wins game 2-fifth place game; 4:30 if wins game 1 and loses game 2-consolation; 7 p.m. if wins both games-championship)

Sunday, Sept. 7

No events scheduled.

Liberty Public Library to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up month

This September, Liberty Public Library invites Liberty Central School District families to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities.

With a library card, you can do more than check out books. From free programs, computers, streaming media, and cultural events, today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other.

This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is a reminder that libraries are for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you’re diving into a new hobby, searching for your next great read, borrowing a backpack, learning a new language, or helping your child succeed in school, it all starts with a library card.

At Liberty Public Library you’ll find:

  • Ebooks, and e-audiobooks with our Libby app
  • Streaming video with Kanopy, and Mango Languages for learning a new language.
  • Prefer physical books and media? Try our convenient “RCLS Go app” to search for and request physical books, and dvds, as well as books on CD—Or ask us to help in person!
  • Bethel Woods Museum passes for free admission for up to 4 people
  • Programs and events for all ages—from storytimes and book clubs, movies, yoga, Senior Coffee Club speakers, afterschool teen clubs, and much more.

Getting a library card is free, easy, and empowering. For students, it’s a key to academic success. For adults, it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. For everyone, it’s a smart way to stay connected to your community.

The public invited to the library throughout September for the following activities:

  • Library Card Challenge, Sept. 1 – Oct. 17: Pick up a special Library Card Challenge Activity sheet. Complete any four of the fun activities and win a small prize (all ages).
  • Library App installation help:  Need help setting up one of our apps, like Libby? Call 845-292-6070 or email lib@rcls.org to arrange an appointment for a one-hour help session.
  • Elementary Game Day, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6: Play classic board games at the library with your family and maybe make some new friends.
  • Teen Games & Volunteer Sign-ups, 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17: Stop by afterschool to play games with your friends and learn about volunteer opportunities available at the library.

Stop by Liberty Public Library or visit http://www.libertypubliclibrary.org to sign up for a free card. Because with a Liberty Public Library card, the possibilities are truly endless.

Liberty administration offers updates for school year at community forum

Liberty administration offers updates for school year at community forum

About two dozen community members and several more faculty and staff gathered outside the main entrance to Liberty High School on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to hear an overview of updates and changes for the 2025-26 school year at Liberty Central School District.

“It’s important for our community to be informed before the start of the school year,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We appreciate the families who attended and asked questions.”

District administration has held these forums annually as a way to better communicate and interact with the LCSD community, in accordance with the district’s five-year strategic plan.

The plan, now in its fourth year, is the district’s roadmap for improvement across the district.

Dr. Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent Derek Adams led the presentation, with translation by Ms. Vanessa Olivo.

The school year begins for students on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Besides the traditional updates on programming and reminders of procedures, district officials also reviewed the new state-mandated policy on student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.

Plan updates

The forum began with a review of the strategic plan and each pillar — Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum and Culture — and an overview of what the district is doing to move forward this year. The plan, along with the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan and related building and program plans, informed changes for the 2025-26 school year.

Curricular changes and updates

A man speaks at a podium as a woman stands near a group of people in the audience translating.Dr. Adams reviewed current curricular programs and highlighted changes, including the addition of the Siena College Computer Science course for high schoolers, agricultural courses at the middle school and a new Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom at the elementary school. The district is also in the second year of Algebra for all eighth graders as well as Syracuse University Project Advance programming for high schoolers.

The district is also implementing Eduplanet, a curriculum management system to aid in curriculum mapping, and LinkIt, a data warehouse system designed to help more efficiently analyze and support students’ academic, social and emotional growth, which will also help inform MTSS procedures.

Communications

The forum also offered the opportunity to review items related to the culture pillar, which includes better communicating the mission and vision of the district. Dr. Sullivan highlighted ParentSquare, introduced last year, which helps streamline two-way communication between Liberty families and the district and schools. He also reminded attendees about the district’s chain of command calling guide.

DASA and safety

Safety is always of utmost importance. Dr. Sullivan reviewed the district’s safety measures and visitor procedures, hitting both the coherence and culture pillars. He also reminded attendees about Anonymous Alerts, where students and families can report concerns about safety or bullying, and  Gaggle, a program that monitors student usage of the internet and will alert officials of concern searches or messages. Both programs assist the district in its commitment to the Dignity for All Students Act and safety.

Construction projects

Dr. Sullivan reported that work is nearing completion on culvert replacement at the elementary school, and the district expects traffic patterns to return to normal in time for the start of the school year. Work is progressing on the athletic field, part of the capital project approved by voters in January 2024, with the hope that the field will be completed in time to play at least one game on the field this fall. Full completion of the track, bleachers and press box is expected by the spring.

Cellphone policy

Liberty Central School District has implemented a policy in accordance with Education Law §2803, also known as the bell-to-bell cellphone free policy. Dr. Sullivan reviewed the district’s cellphone free policy. A policy FAQ is available here.

Three people look at a piece of paper as two children stand in front of them.Only one question was asked publicly at the end of the forum—regarding student storage of cellphones during sports practices. However, administrators answered several questions one-on-one with families after the forum.

“We are always happy to answer questions and offer support to our families and students,” Dr. Sullivan said at the end of the forum. He also reminded those in attendance that any questions could be emailed to questions@libertyk12.org.

Because of technical difficulties, the planned livestream of the event was unable to take place. A slideshow of the presentation can be found here.

Liberty names high school assistant principal

Destiny MatosLiberty High School will have a new assistant principal when school starts on Sept. 4.

On Aug. 19, the Liberty Central School District Board of Education appointed Ms. Destiny Matos to the role, which became vacant with the promotion of Mr. Stephen Matuszak to principal at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

“As a dedicated educator and leader, I am excited to bring my experience and values to Liberty and make a positive impact on the school community,” she said.

She has a master’s degree in school building leadership from Molloy University and a Master of Science degree in general and special education from Manhattan College. She had nine years of experience in the New York City Department of Education, including roles as a special education/early childhood teacher, science content teacher, and a United Federation of Teachers Paraprofessional, before coming to Liberty.

She said she hopes to provide “a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and social growth.”

As a “proud New Yorker” and mother of two, she said her values are consistency, coherency and accountability, and she is committed to building strong partnerships between home and school.

“I chose Liberty because I too believe in the mission of helping graduate lifelong learners who have been empowered through the collaborative efforts of the school, parents and community,” she said. “This sense of belonging helps graduates feel safe and ready to take on new challenges.”

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