Author: Denielle.Cazzolla
Capital project work moves forward
The bleachers, pressbox, lights and scoreboard are up. The turf is down. Work on the track is expected to be completed this spring. The athletic field is getting close to completion.
But work at the athletic field is just one part of the capital projects that were approved by voters in 2024 and 2025. The projects, which total approximately $50 million, address safety, efficiency and meeting the needs of today’s learners and are not expected to have any additional tax impact on district taxpayers.
Work has also begun on construction of the new maintenance building. The building will allow the current maintenance department space in the high school to be converted into the High School Innovation Lab, which is part of the next phase of the capital project.
“We are excited about the work that has been completed so far,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “There is still more work to
be done to provide our students and community with the safe, productive and modern spaces they need to succeed.”
The second phase of the projects will include work at the middle and high school buildings.
Besides the Innovation Lab, the work at the high school includes asbestos abatement and renovations in the 300 wing and cafeteria, 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 final phase is expected to begin next year with all projects expected to be completed by fall 2027. That work includes carbon monoxide alarm system upgrades and generator replacement at the district office and significant work at the elementary school, most notably upgrades to the HVAC system for more efficient heating and added cooling to comply with new state temperature regulations. There will also be roofing repairs and upgrades, asbestos flooring abatement and replacement, wood flooring replacement, new compliant railing on the interior bleachers in the gym, and carbon monoxide alarm system and gym ventilation upgrades.
Liberty sees progress, looks to future for strategic planning
Liberty Central School District is now in its fourth year of its five-year strategic plan.
In that time, the district has instituted or refined several programs with a goal of meeting its mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.
“We have seen significant progress,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
Liberty students’ reading scores are improving, with a 6% increase year-over-year in state testing scores last year. This is thanks in part to the alignment of its reading curriculum through the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) Into Reading and Into Literature programs.
The support for all students is growing with the refinement of the district’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, which provide targeted academic, behavioral and social-emotional support to all students.
Leading in Me and the related Lighthouse Teams across the district are helping students gain personal growth and hone their leadership skills.
The emphasis on hands-on learning in STEM (science, technology engineering and math) is preparing Liberty students for future careers. The REAL Lab at the elementary school builds the foundation, by introducing students to STEM concepts.
Students move to the Invention Land Innovation Lab at the middle school. The High School Innovation Lab, expected to launch next year, will continue that growth.
“Although the five-year plan ends next year, the strategic approach to ensuring students have the best possible opportunity to succeed will continue,” Dr. Sullivan said.
The district is reviewing options for a new plan starting in fall of 2027 that will build upon what has been learned and the accomplishments made so far.
For more information, visit the district’s strategic plan page.
Toy gun confiscated at dismissal at MS/HS
At dismissal today, April 23, a student at the middle school was seen using a neon green cap gun. The toy was immediately taken away from the student. At no time was there any danger to staff or students. The situation is being dealt with according to the Liberty CSD Code of Conduct.
The district reminds families that, per the Code of Conduct, weapons, or items that appear to be a weapon, are not to be brought onto school property.
For seventh year, Liberty earns Best Communities for Music Education honor
For the seventh consecutive year, Liberty Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Liberty answered detailed questions about funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
“Music education is essential education,” LCSD Director of Music Eric Aweh said. “Creativity, discipline and emotional expression as well as cognitive and motor skills are all enhanced through music.”
Liberty musicians and vocalists take part in a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, ensembles, parades, all-county and all-state events, and the Liberty Jazz Festival, which unfortunately was canceled due to weather this year. The district did host the Sullivan County All-County Music Festival in March
The spring concert series will begin next month with the Liberty High School Mixed Spring concert on May 6., followed by the Grades 7-8 Spring concert on May 12, the LHS Honors concert on May 14, and the Grades 5-6 concert on May 19. The series will conclude with the Elementary Spring concert on June 1. All concerts will be at 6:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium. The annual Liberty Music and Community Fest will be at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, in Lapolt Park in Liberty
“It is important for schools to foster an understanding—and love—of music in our students,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “The NAMM Foundation’s continued recognition of our dedication to providing a quality music education where that understanding and love can bloom is appreciated.”
Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org.
A message from the LES principal
Dear LES Families,
This morning, April 23, school administration was alerted that a student was in possession of a retractable utility knife. Administration and the School Resource Officer (SRO) responded immediately to secure the item without incident. The situation was handled in accordance with our code of conduct. At no point were any students or staff in danger.
Bob England,
Liberty Elementary School Principal
LCSD board approves proposed 2026-27 budget
Information sessions planned
The Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a $72 million budget for the 2026-27 school year that includes no tax levy increase.
The proposed $72,032,104 budget increases spending 5.14%, or $3,523,742 and would fund all current student programs and services while accounting for increases in costs such as health care, transportation and contractual obligations.
Based on the governor’s budget proposal’s state aid projections, the district expects an overall increase in state aid of about $1.1 million, with the tax lex levy remaining at $17,760,162.
The district will have several opportunities for residents to learn more about the proposed budget.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan will host a series of informational sessions before the public vote from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, in the high school media center at 125 Buckley St.
He will present the budget to the Liberty Town Board during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, in the Senior Citizen Center at 119 N. Main St.
The following day, Tuesday, May 5, will be the official budget public hearing, which will be held in the High School auditorium, at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty. The public hearing will also be livestreamed.
The next opportunity will be “Budget, Dinner and a Concert” on Thursday, May 14, starting at 5 p.m. in the High School Media Center. Pizza will be served, and the public is invited to the High School Honors Concert starting at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
The series will conclude with a budget talk at the New Munson Diner at 12 Lake St. The public is invited to bring any budget questions to Dr. Sullivan between 8 and 10 a.m. Friday, May 15.
Full information about the budget will be available on the district’s budget page.
Litter pluck set for May 17 in Liberty
County Petroleum and Animal Hospital of Sullivan County will host a litter pluck around Liberty starting at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17. There will be doughnuts and coffee in the morning at registration, which will be held at the Liberty Skate Park, and lunch at the end and bags are returned to be place in a Dumpster. There will be drop offs around Liberty.
All Liberty residents are invited to participate. To register, call Jack at 845-292-6711 or Mitchell at 845-292-4550.
Cub Scouts collecting art supplies
Cub Scout Pack 1717 Lion’s Den is hosting an Art Supply Drive through May 11.
Collection boxes are located at Liberty Diner, Ferndale Post Office, Liberty Trading Post and Liberty Dollar Tree. All donations will be given to the local Children’s Home.
For more information, call Melinda at 845-807-9778.
Liberty esports teams make it to the playoffs in first season
It may have been only the first season for the Liberty Redhawks esports team, but the competitors are making quite the first impression.
Three teams will compete in the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation starting today, Monday, April 20.
Super Smash Bros. soloist Josiah Crum, who needed to be in the Top 64 and ended in 54th place, will play his first playoff match at 3 p.m. today.
The Rocket League team placed 14th this season, qualifying for playoffs by being in the Top 16. The team, consisting of Samuel Blandon Cardona, Michael Reyes, Marlow Cedillos Saravia,
Mason Williams, Randy Bello Romero and Dylan Romero, will play in the first round at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
The Marvels Rivals team, which also needed to finish in the top 16 and finished 10th, will play its first round at 4 p.m. Tuesday. The team consists of James Letohic III, Kamoren Connell, Teodulo Banegas, Mason Williams, Peyton Rivera, Tarek Benadim, Nevaeh McCoy and Jose Rivera.
The team was also able to have an atypical experience for esports teams earlier this month by competing in person.
The students traveled to Washingtonville to play against the Washingtonville Wizards, in person, where the Rocket League teams faced off. There was a Super Smash Bros soloist bracket and the two Rivals teams played together in friendly 3v3 competitions.
“This is an exciting time for us,” Adviser Ms. Amanda Jackson said. “First season ever and we made it to the playoffs!”
If any of the teams make it through the first two rounds, they will have the opportunity to attend the state championship in Syracuse.
Message from the superintendent on emergency closure and giveback days
Hello Liberty,
Mother nature was not kind to us this year, and because of that the district used our eight allotted emergency closure days.
One of our days in February was during a state of emergency. We were initially informed, and communicated to our families, that that day would not count toward our emergency closure days.
However, after consulting with the New York State Department of Education, it has been recommended that the waiver day should be used for state of emergency closures once all scheduled emergency days are exhausted.
Because of that, we will not be using any of our proposed give back days this year.
Thank you so much for your understanding.
If you have any questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent