• Notice: Starting Oct. 1 and lasting five to six weeks, there may be a delay in drop off of late bus riders on the route that includes county Route 72 , also known as Lt. J.G. Brender Highway, because of a road closure.
  • Under construction: The athletic field and track area is no longer accessible to the public.  The area will be closed as construction continues. The soccer fields remain open.
  • Update: A portion of the Elementary Ballfield remains closed for public use. Please respect the signage and barriers in place.

A follow-up message from the superintendent on a faculty member’s death

Dear Liberty families,

As a follow up to my earlier message: Middle School Counselor Michelle Behrman, a dedicated member of the Liberty faculty for 24 years, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Oct. 14. She made a profound impact on countless students, faculty, staff and families. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to her family and friends.

During this time, as the school community processes the sad news and copes with grief, the school district is offering counseling and bereavement support services to all of our students and staff. We have spoken to students in groups. Counseling spaces and therapy dogs are available in each building for students and staff. The countywide crisis team is available throughout the buildings for additional support.

For many of our students, Mrs. Behrman was someone they turned to in times of difficulty. Losing a trusted adult is a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress. If your children are having difficulty coping with this news, we encourage you to talk with them about their thoughts and feelings to help them work through their grief or concerns. For tips, see the Helping Children Cope with Grief Guide by the Child Mind Institute. Please also consider monitoring and discussing your student’s communications (social media, phone, emails, text messages) to further assess their potential needs.

If you feel that your student needs to speak to a counselor or other caring adult, please do not hesitate to call our schools and let us know. Other resources include a 24-Hour Mobile Mental Health line at 845-790-0911 or 800-710-7083, the Sullivan County Department of Community Service at 845-292-8770, and grief support from Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties at 845-561-6111 or 800-294-0157.

More information about the grieving process, courtesy of the Countywide School Critical Incident Stress Management, can be found on our website: https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/guidance-departments/the-sullivan-county-cism-response-team/

This is a difficult time for everyone, but I know our students and staff will lean on each other as they remember Mrs. Behrman. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, your building principal or your child’s counselling department.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent