Month: June 2026
ESSA Title Grants meeting draws variety of stakeholders
Liberty Central School Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Derek Adams led a meeting on ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Title Grants at 3:15 p.m. June 25, in the high school media center and virtually.
The meeting was a collaborative effort with multiple stakeholders, including community members, private school representatives, faculty and staff and families, to review the district’s Title Grant goals and budgetary allocations.
Dr. Adams explained that the federal ESSA holds schools accountable for how students learn and achieve and aims to provide an equal opportunity for disadvantaged students, including those receiving special education.
Dr. Adams identified the needs in the district, with 70% of the student population economically disadvantaged, 17% English Language Learners, 15% students with disabilities, 9% migrant students and 7% homeless. On the performance and proficiency side, 69% of students in grade 3-8 were not proficient in the 2025 ELA assessments, and 75% in the 2025 math assessments, and the district has a 66% graduation rate. The critical gap, he said, is the ELL and economically disadvantaged students perform significantly worse on all assessments including NYS Regents.
There are four grants under ESSA that impact Liberty:
- Title I: Improving basic programs operated by local education agency
Title I, Part A provides supplemental financial assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to ensure all children have a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, high-quality education.- AIS Teachers: Salaries and employee benefits
- Family Engagement: Salaries and supplies for engagement nights
- Student Support: Food and clothing for homeless students
- Technology: Computer for Abbot House students
The district received $674,162 in 2025-2026
- Title II: Preparing, training and recruiting high-quality teachers, principals and other school leaders
Title II, Part A is designed to advance excellence in teaching and learning and to promote equity in educational opportunity throughout the state.
Funds were allocated toward:
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- Class Size Reduction: Salaries and benefits at Liberty Elementary School
- Ach Tov Vchesed: Professional Development services
- Development Support: Supplies for Ach Tov V’Chesed PD
The funding received in 2025-2026 was $69,083.
- Title III: Language instruction for English learners and Immigrant students
Title III is designed to enable English Language/Multilingual Learners and Immigrant Students to develop proficiency and access challenging academic standards. In Liberty, 17% of students are classified as ELL
Funds were allocated toward:
- Bilingual Teaching Aid: Salary and Benefits
- ESL Teacher: Percentage of Salary
- Private Schools: Field Trips for Ach Tove V’Chesed
The district received funding of $77,927 in 2025-2026.
- Title IV, Part A: Student support and enrichment grants
Title IV, Part A provides supplemental funding to help provide students with a well-rounded education, improve school conditions, and improve the use of technology.
Funds were allocated toward:
- Social Worker Support: A percentage of the salaries for two Social Workers.
- STEM & Art Materials: Materials for Ach Tov V,Chesed educational programs.
Funding of $52,825.was received by Liberty in 2025-2026
In New York, “title rollover funds” refer to funds that remain unspent from a previous fiscal period and are carried over to the next period for continued use. They are commonly associated with federal education programs under ESSA and ensure that unspent federal funds are used effectively in subsequent periods, supporting ongoing educational initiatives.
In 2025-2026, Liberty used rollover funding to improve academic attainment via Regents preparation, Eduplanet curriculum mapping training and curriculum writing. Funds were also used to enhance new teacher orientation, summer program training for two new Syracuse University Project Advance Courses, as well as summer work stipends for four instrumental music teachers.
For more information, contact Dr. Adams at dadams@libertyk12.org or 845-292-5400, ext. 2052.
LHS Class of 2003 grad opens exhibit at Liberty Museum
Liberty alum Douglas Yaun, Class of 2003 and descendant of the Town of Liberty’s first supervisor, Thomas Crary, has curated the “Liberty’s 250” exhibit that recently opened at the Liberty Museum & Arts Center featuring Douglas’s contributions to History News Magazine, Caribbean Journal and more. Dr. Patrick Sullivan visited the museum to review the exhibit and talk to Mr. Yaun more about the show, which displays events of the Revolutionary War in space and time from the Boston Massacre, to the Farewell Address declaring no kings and the Caribbean front home to Alexander Hamilton.
Besides highlighting perhaps the most important time period in American history, his goal is to showcase the importance of heritage tourism in the area and contribute further with a community campaign to apply the pursuit of Liberty to now.
As part of the exhibit, Mr. Yaun is collecting essays and pictures on the topic “What does Liberty mean to me?” Essays and photos can be sent to lifelibertyme250@gmail.com with the submitter’s name and zip code as the subject. The collected items from this region will be used in a future exhibit and as entries in the Sullivan County Democrat over the next seven years celebrating the 250th year of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States of America which culminates in the year 2033.
“Mr. Yaun’s efforts to showcase history and the impact on our area are extraordinary and deserve support,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I will be addressing his efforts with our federal representatives when I meet with them next month.”
Donations to his “Pursuit of Liberty” effort may be made at https://givebutter.com/liberty-to-me-9mmlq.
The “Liberty’s 250” exhibit will be on display through September at the museum at 46 S Main St. For more information about the museum, visit https://www.libertymuseumandartscenter.org/
Liberty Class of 2026 makes an impact as 125 Redhawks graduate
On Friday, June 26, 125 Liberty High School students walked across the stage in the high school gym and officially became Redhawk alumni.
In an evening of thanks and remembrances, a theme of impact flowed throughout the speeches.
“At Liberty, you have met people who have made those impacts on you, even if you haven’t realized it,” Salutatorian Lia Guillerme said. “Whether it may be the teacher who you went to after every hard math class to re-explain a lesson, the friends that could always make you laugh when you needed it, or the person you hated suddenly becoming your best friend. These people, and these memories, are what we have to hold onto as we move into the next chapter of our lives.”
Valedictorian Cassandra Porter said she was shy and withdrawn at the start of high school, adding she almost gave up on trying to become valedictorian because of having to give a speech at graduation.
“That changed due to all of you,” she said to her classmates. “When I say all of you, I mean all of you. … The majority of you treated me with such kindness, that it caused me to break out of my state of secludedness, and actually got me involved in dozens of activities in school. You have all helped me become the strong, confident, and passionate person that I am now.”
And it wasn’t just the students who were impacted by their classmates and adults in their lives. The students have had a lasting impact on the faculty and staff, Principal Stephen Matuszak said.
“Over the years, I have watched you mature into thoughtful young adults, but I have grown alongside you as well,” he told the graduates. “You helped me see situations through different lenses. You pushed me to reflect on my decisions and continually strive to improve. Because of you, I leave each day with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, serve, and support a school community,”
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan praised the Class of 2026 for believing in caring about Liberty and showing an impact by asking questions and letting their thoughts be known..
“The most powerful act one can do is advocate for yourself and others with your voice, and your voice was heard,” he said.
Class President Shawn Bickham encouraged his fellow students to continue to make an impact on others.
“You all have a gift to change the world,” he said, “so be that change that the world needs.”
Watch the livestreams of the graduation ceremony: Graduation overhead view or the Graduation floor level view.
Construction work causes changes at Middle/High school campus
As the summer begins, construction work is in full swing at the middle/high school campus.
Abatement work is beginning on the High School June 29 and is expected to last at least through July. The 300 wing, the high school gymnasium, library media center classroom and high school office will also not be accessible during the process. The high school office and high school guidance office will be located in the middle school as the abatement is completed, with clerical staff at the greeters desk and guidance staff in the library.
During the abatement, the parking lot in front of the high school and near the basketball courts will be reserved for construction vehicles. The middle school parking lot and lot between the high school and district office are to be used by the community.
Construction work is also continuing on the maintenance building. The walkway behind the district office from Winthrop Avenue to the high school is closed until further notice.
Also, the athletic field and track area is still not accessible to the public. The area will be closed as construction continues. The soccer, baseball and softball fields remain open.
Additionally, during the week of July 6, the tennis courts behind the high school will be closed for repairs.
Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.
LMS celebrates eighth-graders moving on to high school
Nearly 90 Liberty eighth graders celebrated the end of their Middle School era with the annual Moving Up Ceremony on Tuesday, June 23, in the David E. Panebaker Auditorium.
Following the pledge of allegiance led by Montgomery Allen and Amy Cortez Cruz, the national anthem and alma mater were sung by the eighth grade choir members.
Principal Heather Cheh welcomed students as well as guests High School Principal Mr. Stephen Matuszak and LHS Class of 2026 salutatorian Lia Guillerme, who each spoke as well.
The following awards were then presented:
Subject Awards
- Art Awards: Aaliyah Walker, Amy Cortes Cruz, Ana Sosa, Analina Garcia, Angelick Rivera, Antoni Klys, Ava McNett, Claire Ferguson, Corinne Lake, Edwin Moreno Reyes, Eric Vargas Martin, Erick Torres Garcia, Erika Panama, Ethan Zheng, Harper Matuszak, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Jessica Loftus, Keily Dominguez-Chabla, Luis Brizuela Moreno, Luna Pixie Hulse, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Meily Valencia Bamac, Namarpreet Singh, Pricilla Matute, Valeria Ponce Vasquez and Mya Davis.
- Music Awards: The Director’s award is given to an outstanding eighth grader in Orchestra, Chorus, and Band who exemplify the following criteria: 90 or above average; demonstrates outstanding musical ability, show qualities of leadership, are committed and dedicated to their instrument or voice and the music program, encourage and help others in the ensembles with a positive and genuine integrity and participated in the ensemble since fifth grade.
- Director’s Award for Orchestra: Angelick Rivera
- Director’s Award for Chorus: Claire Ferguson
- Director’s Award for Band: Claire Ferguson
- Physical Education Awards: Claire Ferguson, Montgomery Allen, Lilly Kehrley, Amy Cortes Cruz, Erick Torres Garcia, Brycen Smith, Chase Golzak and Edwin Moreno.
Memorial Awards
- The Michelle Behrman Award: Lilly Kehrley
- The Lori Bauman Award: Greyson Torres
- The Lorraine Carrington Award: Chase Golzak
- The Syd Benton Award: Harper Matuszak
- The Barbara Sims Award: Luna Pixie Hulse
- The Glenna Stieglitz Award: Erick Torres Garcia
- The Joan Greck Award: Amy Cortes Cruz
- The Herb Conrad Award: Adner Mejia Aguilar
- The Barbara Sochinski Award: Meily Valencia Bamac
- The Renee Friedman Award: Angel Terraza Raymundo
- The Fogelski Award: Faith Boyles
State Awards
- Triple C Award: Corinne Lake and Aiden Satz
- NYS Comptroller Achievement Award: Antoni Klys and Clarie Ferguson
- OAG Civic Ambassador Award: Antoni Klys
ENL Awards
- The Glenna Stieglitz Award: Erick Torres Garcia
- The Joan Greck Award: Amy Cortes Cruz
- The Herb Conrad Award: Adner Mejia Aguilar
After the awards were presented it was time for the students to receive their certificates for completing middle school, presented by Mr. Cort Wheeler, Ms. Cheh, Assistant Principal Mrs. Katlyn Rusin and Assistant Principal Dr. Jodie MacKrell. Students also wore cords indicating if they were members of the National Junior Honor Society or FFA, became ELL Commanding or earned the FFA Discovery Degree.
The event concluded with a video highlighting the class’s time in middle school and closing remarks by Mrs. Rusin.
Fourth graders honored during their final ceremony at LES
Liberty Elementary celebrated its senior class on Wednesday, June 24, with the annual Moving Up ceremony. It was a time to celebrate accomplishments, offer advice and take a look back at the previous five or more years.
Principal Mr. Robert England welcomed families and guests, encouraging attendance and taking part in clubs, discouraging cellphones as students take their next step, but most importantly support and encouragement to help students find success.
As the awards portion of the ceremony began, he thanked Rony Gomez Franco and Yiling Ouyang for being the junior student liaisons on the superintendent’s committee.
The following awards were also presented:
American Citizenship Award
This award, sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, recognizes students who participate in school and community service activities, show a positive attitude towards classmates and peers, display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility and possess the strength of character and courage to be role models for others. Honored were Raphael Avellino, Brittney Cruz Reyes, Amelia D’Agata, Panth Desai, Rony Gomez Franco, Juliana Padilla and Stephany Reyes Lazo.
President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement
The President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement recognizes students who have shown outstanding educational growth, improvement or commitment in their academic subjects. These students work hard, give their best effort and demonstrate tremendous commitment to learning: Manuel Aldana Pena, Kobi Debrosky, Pari Desai, Scarlett Llano Luciano, Ian Marquez, Marcos Mateo Gutierrez, Keira McPhillips, Ryan Panchana, Stephany Reyes Lazo, Eliana Soriano, Alexander Torres and Joel Williams-Mejia.
President’s Award for Outstanding Educational Excellence
The President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence recognizes students who achieved academic success in the classroom. These students have received 3s and 4s on New York State tests in Math and ELA, above grade level scores on universal screener assessment, and 3s and 4s in all subject areas on their report cards, as well as demonstrating motivation, integrity and leadership qualities.
Using all of these measures combined, the Top Ten recipients of the Outstanding Academic Excellence award are as follows:
- 10. Leyvi Eli Banegas Cortes
- 9. Amelia D’Agata
- 8. Jean Valdivieso Cajamarca
- 7. Sevyn Straker
- 6. Jaxen Husted
- 5. Madelyn Hook
- 4. William Martin
- 3. Yiling Ouyang
- 2. Makayla Kolarik
- 1. Eli Grossman
The NYS Attorney General’s Triple “C” Award
The award recognizes students who display Courage, Commitment and Character. This year’s recipients are Rony Gomez Franco and Yiling Ouyang
NYS Comptroller’s Award
Each year the NYS Comptroller’s Office recognizes the one deserving student from the school that demonstrates leadership potential through involvement in activities that improve the school and/or community. Earning the award was Anthony Owens, who served in the Safety Patrol, LES Video Club, choir, band and the LES production of “101 Dalmatians,” as well as volunteering with the PTA at community events and was a “positive role model who leads with kindness, responsibility, and integrity,” Mr. England said.
The fourth grade certificates were presented after the awards.
The ceremony also marked the last of Mr. David Philips, who is retiring this year. He was presented an award for his dedication to the students in the classroom and as a coach, and for creating the fourth grade videos for the past two decades.
The ceremony concluded with a short video honoring Mr. Philips, as well as the video he produced looking back at the fourth-graders time at LES.
BOE to have organizational meeting July 1
The next Board of Education meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in the HS Media Center. starting with the annual organizational meeting. The regular meeting will follow. Both meetings are open to the public. The agenda will be available on Tuesday, June 30, at Board Docs.
There will also be a special meeting of the board on July 1, at 4:45 p.m. in the District Office. The board anticipates to enter into executive session immediately and will adjourn at its conclusion. This special meeting is not open to the public.
Please note that due to the building project in the High School, entry to the meeting will be through door H3 located to the left of the high school breezeway, and parking should be in the middle school parking lot, as the lot in front of the high school is reserved for construction vehicles.
Liberty honors varsity athletes
Liberty Central School District honored its scholar-athletes during its athletic Block L Awards in the David E. Panebaker auditorium earlier this month.
“It is an absolute honor to stand before you tonight to celebrate another incredible year of Liberty Central School athletics,“ Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said in his opening remarks. “Looking out at this room, I don’t just see a collection of jerseys, stats, or medals. I see the heart and soul of this community.”
Following opening remarks by Mr. Zehner, the following were among the awards presented.
Fall
Boys Soccer
- Co-Offensive Most Valuable Player: Rene bernal Huezo and Jose Moreno Reyes
- Most Improved Player: Jeffrey Banegas Barahona
- Golden Glove: Justin Simon
- Coaches Award: Randy Romero Bello
Girls Soccer
- Most Valuable Player: Brooke Bull
- Most Improved Player: Madysen Rielly
- Coaches Award: Adriana Ponce Agredano
Football
- Coaches Award: Austin Frunzi
- Offensive MVP: Shawn Bickham Jr
- Defensive MVP: Riley Cox
- Most Improved Player: Austin Frunzi
- Overall MVP: Tayler Schwartz
Cross Country
- Most Valuable Cross Country Runner-Girls: Adriana Ponce
- Most Valuable Cross Country Runner-Boys: Colin Dasraj
- Most Improved Runner: Angela Wheeler
Girls Tennis
- MVP: Allisson Diaz Lopez
- Coaches Award: Angele Osorio Ramirez
Volleyball
- Coaches Awards: Ariana Wilson and Makayla Morales
Game Day Cheer
- Coaches Awards: Aimee Sheerwood and Aryiah Cottman
Winter
Boys Basketball
- MVP: Adrien Ferguson
- Offensive MVP: Zack Alvord
- Defensive MVP: Tyleal Aubain
- Most Improved Player: Riley Cox
Boys Wrestling
- MVP: Elmer Son Vicente
- Most Improved: Misael Juarez Perez
- Coaches Award: Tarek Benadim
Girls Wrestling
- Most Valuable Wrestler: Isabella Wagner
- Rookie of the Year:Baileigh Steinberg
- Boys Indoor Track & Field
- Most Valuable Track Athletes: Joseph Sarney, Dylan Romero and Colten Jay Allen
- Most Improved Track Athlete: Ryan Romero Bello
Girls Indoor Track & Field
- Most Outstanding Track Athletes Sydania Foster and Brooke Bull
- Bounceback Athlete: Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos
- Breakout Performer: Starriah Harris
- Most Outstanding Novice: Victoria Henry
Boys Alpine Ski
- Coaches Award: Roger Lynker
- Most Valuable Player: Hudson Danzillo
- Most Improved Skier: Brody Kelly
Girls Alpine Ski
- Coach’s Award: Alexandra Kelly
- Most Improved: Lia Guillerme
Girls Basketball
- MVP: Giselle Payton
- Defensive MVP: Arianna Wilson
- Most Improved: Adriana Ponce
Game Day Cheer
- MVP: Adelyse Brewer
Spring
Baseball
- Coaches Awards: Zackary Alvord, Everett Schwartz and Tayler Schwartz
Softball
- Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Madelyn Stewart and Guillana Wagner
- Defensive Player of the Year: Arianna Wilson
- Coaches Award: Brooke Porter
Boys Outdoor Track and Field
- Most Valuable Track Athlete: Joseph Sarney
- Sprinter Award: Dylan Romero
- Throwers Award: Shawn Bickham
- Most Improved Track Athlete: Michael Reyes
- Distance Award: Ryan Romero
Girls Outdoor Track and Field
- Most Valuable Track Athletes Sydania Foster and Brooke Bull
- Most Outstanding Novice: Makayla Morales
- Breakout Performer: Starriah Harris
- Coaches Award: Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos
Boys Tennis
- Most Valuable Player: Sebastian Yupanqui
- Coaches Awards: Phillo Romero and John Palacios Medrano
Boys Golf
- Lowest Scorer: Jake Cross
- Coaches Award: Phillip Burrous
Girls Golf
- Most Valuable Golfer: Elizabeth Cruz Cruz
- Coaches Award: Angela Wheeler
Special Recognition Awards
“Ross” Award
- Boys Soccer Scholar Athlete: Zackary Alvord
- Girls Soccer Scholar Athlete: Adriana Ponce Agredano
“Rattner” Award
- Boys Basketball Scholar Athlete: Joseph DiBartolo
- Girls Basketball Scholar Athlete: Adriana Ponce Agredano
“Goodstein” Award
- Wrestling Perseverance: Tarek Benadim
Kavleski Award
- Boys Track & Field Scholar Athlete: Joseph Sarney
- Girls Track & Field Scholar Athlete: Adriana Ponce Agredano
Fred Planica Award
- Most Improved Player (Underclassman) (Baseball): Michael Feijo
- Buchal Award Most Valuable Player (Baseball): Justin Simon
- Most Valuable Player (Softball): Angela Wheeler
“To our athletes: whether you are walking away tonight with a championship patch, a most-improved award, or simply the pride of finishing a hard-fought season, remember this: the plaques on these tables are wonderful, but they aren’t the real prize,” Mr. Zehner said. “The real prize is the person you became while trying to earn them. It’s the discipline you built. It’s the lifelong bonds you formed with your teammates. It’s the resilience you developed that will serve you long after you hang up your Liberty uniform.
“Thank you all, congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and participants, and as always—Go Redhawks!”
LES hosts info meeting on Title 1, ESSA
Liberty Elementary School held a community meeting at 3:30 p.m. June 23 in the Elementary School Media Center to address Title I and ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) and what it means for the school
The presentation explained that federal funding is provided to Title I schools to provide extra resources to help children meet academic standards. The presentation explained that LES is eligible to become a Title I schoolwide because the community poverty level is 53.74% above 40%.
The goal for LES is to boost math and reading achievement, using small class sizes, Leader in Me for social-emotional learning and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
The presentation also explained how using the NYS Next Generation curriculum standards, MTSS offers support at three levels:
- Tier 1: Excellent classroom instruction for all students:
- Tier 2: Students receive small group intervention delivered by either math or reading specialists or other certified teacher to target students’ ‘identified areas of improvement
- Tier 3: Intense, individualized support for a few students
The presentation went over the cycle of success:
- Testing: NWEA MAP Growth test measure progress
- Updates: Regular report cards sent home
- Notices: Parents/guardians will be notified in writing if their child qualifies for extra (Tier 2 or 3) support
The Elementary presentation also emphasized the importance of communication being a two-way street.
The school is committed to staying in touch with families regarding academic and attendance, as letters are sent at 9 and 18 days of absence to offer support.
It also highlighted the modes of communication: phone calls, emails, school apps and letters.
LES also encourages family engagement by practicing the Leader in Me habits at home, joining community engagement nights, and staying informed by reviewing school materials and communicating with any questions.
Parents and guardians can also get by volunteering, joining the Building Leadership Team and helping the school plan on how to use family engagement funds.
The presentation also provided information about rights provided to families under Title 1:
- Request teacher qualifications
- Be notified if a teacher is uncertified for four or more weeks,
- Request regular meetings with staff
- Participate in your child’s education decisions.
For more information, contact Principal Robert England at rengland@libertyk12.org or 845-292-5400, ext. 2503.
LHS artists unveil Leader in Me mural at LES
National Art Honor Society students unveiled a Leader in Me mural after the LES Sweethearts and Heroes assembly on June 12.
Six students, President Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo, Treasurer Sebastian Yupanqui, Kourtney Perry, Evelyn Molina Ax, Giuli Wagner and Giselle Perez Sanchez, turned the mural on cue as Sebastian spoke about the mural in English and Jhosmery did so in Spanish. Missing at the assembly were NAHS Secretary Cassandra Porter, Vice President Savannah Pagan Van Wagner and Art Club member Katherine Panama.
Jhosmery wrote the presentation, which included “Every detail was carefully considered and arranged with love and patience. The National Art Honor Society is honored to have been entrusted with such a project. Based on the seven habits promoted at this school, from putting things first to finding your voice, this mural aims to visually represent Leader on Me and the path that awaits you in Middle School.”
The artists were rewarded with clapping and excited energy from the LES students.
The Mural design started as a tree and evolved into so much more. The designs voted on by the students were all part of the Sullivan 180 Wellness Grant and an example of synergizing with the high school artists. The crossover from LES to LMS is highlighted as the students are encouraged to “Put First Things First” and to “Think Win-Win.”
This is the second time NAHS/Art Club members worked with LES on a mural project and it is just one of many projects—Peace poles, Lending Library, bird houses—that NAHS has been a part of the bigger community by sharing their skills.