Work is moving forward on the capital projects approved by voters in January 2024 and May 2025.

The Liberty Central School Board of Education heard an update from project architect LAN Associates and construction manager Schoolhouse Construction Services during the board’s meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Phase 1

Dirt was turned on the first phase of construction, the athletic facility, in late spring with work progressing throughout the summer and into the fall. The lights were installed in late summer. The turf field installation is expected to begin next week and take about three weeks to complete. Work on the bleacher and press box foundations have started and will continue over the next two weeks, with delivery and installation scheduled for early next year, depending on weather Construction of the six lane track will begin after the bleachers are installed. The facility is expected to be ready for graduation 2026.

The second part of the first phase is the new maintenance building. The project is being prepared to go for bid.

Phase 2

Basic design work is complete for the second phase of the project, which includes work at the high school and middle school.

The work at the high school includes renovations in the 300 wing and cafeteria, creation of the Innovation Lab, a generator replacement, stair removal, and upgrades to the HVAC controls, carbon monoxide alarm system and code-mandated items.

The work at the middle school includes site drainage improvements, replacement of the electrical main distribution panel and some internal doors, upgrades to the HVAC controls and carbon monoxide alarm system and a new emergency generator.

The project design is being prepared for submission to the New York State Education Department for approval, with work expected to begin next year.

Phase 3

The final phase of the project includes work at the elementary school and the district office. The project is in the design phase with work expected to take place in 2026 and 2027.

The work at the district office includes carbon monoxide alarm system upgrades and a new emergency generator.

The work at the elementary school includes items approved in both capital project proposals: Roofing repairs and upgrades, asbestos flooring abatement and replacement, wood flooring replacement, new complaint railing on the interior bleachers in the gym, and carbon monoxide alarm system and gym ventilation upgrades. Additional HVAC upgrades were approved in the 2025 project to address state-mandated temperature limits in classroom spaces. HVAC work includes unit ventilator upgrades in the classrooms, boiler conversion to accommodate the additional air conditioning and HVAC control upgrades.

LAN has completed all major architectural and mechanical site survey work, but additional visits to the school may be needed as the design is developed and finalized. The HVAC load calculations have been finalized and the preparation of demolition drawing is ongoing. The vertical package unit ventilators (VUV) locations have been laid out, with a mock of a classroom VUV built and reviewed with the district earlier this month. The options for providing ventilation air in the gymnasium are being reviewed and coordinated. LAN has also been in communication with Day Automation, which provides energy services to the district, in regard to the boiler replacement in the original building or expansion of the existing boiler plant.

LAN and Schoolhouse also offered an update on the emergency culvert replacement at the Elementary School. A majority of the work was completed before school began, with a few minor items yet to be completed

The presentation can be seen here.

Liberty Central School District families are invited to the Liberty Unity Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Creekside Park in Liberty.

There will be free food, while supplies last, free games and music by DJ Kool D.

The event is sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, SALT Cares, Lets Stop Stigma Sullivan County, Action Toward Independence (ATI), Liberty Rotary, Liberty Police, Cornerstone Family Healthcare and the Sullivan Central Rotary Club.

Chocolate, rocks and a movie are on the agenda at Liberty Public Library in the coming weeks and Liberty Central School District students and families are invited.

There will be two free events for middle and high school students.

Chocolate will be the theme of a game day at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30. Students in fifth though 12th grade will be able to play candy bingo and peppermint patty shuffleboard and take part in an M&M sorting race. Of course, candy will also be available for eating.

The following week, teen rock painting will be offered at 3:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6. All materials will be provided for the project for fifth through 12th graders after school.

For students of all ages will be a Family Movie Afternoon featuring “Lilo & Stitch” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.  All are welcome to the free movie (with popcorn). An adult must stay will children younger than 12.

The Liberty Public Library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.

For more information call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan shares the following message for the Redhawk Community:

Transcription below:

A school is just a building until faculty, staff, and students return. That’s why I’m so happy to have school back in session. It was wonderful to see so many new and returning Redhawks.

As is often the case at the start of the school year, we faced a few minor setbacks, but they were handled with minimal disruption. One disruption we avoided was the alternative traffic pattern at the elementary school. I’m grateful the culvert replacement was completed in time for the first day. I’m also pleased to report that the athletic field turf is expected to be installed by the end of the month.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll attend district and school events, cheer on our athletes, and support our students in the arts.

To stay informed, please visit our website at www.libertyk12.org and sign up for ParentSquare to receive the latest updates from the district, schools, classes, clubs, and more. As always, if you have questions, please email us at questions@libertyk12.org.

Let’s work together to keep Liberty a great place to learn and make the 2025–26 school year one filled with Liberty Pride.

Thank you

The village of Liberty will flush its water mains by opening hydrants throughout the system later this month. This may cause low water pressure and water throughout the village to become brown. The water will not be contaminated.

The flushing will likely impact the Liberty Elementary, Middle and High Schools and the District Office.

Flushing of the Parksville transmission line will take Sept. 15-29,  with the Village Water System  starting Sept. 29 until complete. Flushing will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

If water begins to get brown in a building, water fountains will be temporarily shut down until the water clears. Bottled water will be available if fountains are shut down. All staff and students are encouraged to limit water use  while

Updates will be available on the village website, www.libertyvillageny.org.

The Liberty Public Library is starting the new school year with afterschool opportunities for students.

On Sept. 17, students in grades 5-12 are invited to a Game Day, featuring board games, card games and more, starting at 3:15 p.m.  Students will also learn more about volunteer opportunities at the library to start earning hours they may need. Snacks will be provided.

For elementary students, the library will host Bookworm Clubs for elementary students in October and November.

The club will be offered Mondays, Oct. 20-Nov. 24, or Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Nov. 25 (no meeting on Nov. 11), for children in first and second grades. The club for third and fourth graders will be Wednesdays, Oct. 22-Nov. 19 or Thursdays, Oct. 23-Nov. 20.

They will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. afterschool. Library staff will pick children from Liberty Elementary to escort them to the library.

Participating children will read books, play games, have snacks, do crafts and more.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, by calling 845-292-6070. Those who call earlier will be asked to call back. Permission slips will be sent home with all children who are registered. Slips must be returned to the library or the child’s teacher indicating pickup preference. Children may be picked up at the library by 4 or they can be escorted to the LES Boys & Girls Club, if they are signed up.  Students in third and fourth grade also have the option to take the late bus home from the elementary school.

For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit the library’s website. The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.