As summer progress continues across Liberty Central School District, the commitment to supporting our students, staff, and community never stops. Recently, Superintendent Dr. Sullivan joined education leaders from across the country at the AASA/ASBO Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. During the conference, school leaders met with members of Congress to advocate for critical federal funding and share the unique needs, priorities, and successes of their local school districts.

Supporting Students Through IDEA Funding

A primary topic discussed at the conference was the importance of fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free public education and the specialized services and support they need to succeed, helping provide more equitable educational opportunities for all learners.

As districts continue to experience rising costs associated with special education services and staffing challenges, federal support remains an important resource in meeting the needs of students.

Fulfilling this commitment through a 10-year implementation plan would help bridge opportunity gaps by providing schools with the resources necessary to ensure students with disabilities have access to the support they need to thrive.

Additionally, education leaders advocated for continued investment in federal programs, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, and other grants that support student achievement, educator development, and expanded educational opportunities.

Keeping Student Internet Access Accessible and Safe

Liberty students and staff rely on reliable internet access every day to support teaching and learning, school operations, cybersecurity, communication, and transportation services. A key resource that helps maintain this connectivity is the federal E-Rate program, which provides funding to schools and libraries for affordable internet access.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently considering potential changes to E-Rate that could impact how school districts access this important support. Proposed changes include limiting eligibility for certain districts or expanding the program’s requirements beyond its original purpose of providing reliable connectivity.

It is critical that we help our elected officials understand exactly how their decisions shape our schools, staff, and students,” said Dr. Sullivan. “Serving as an AASA Governing Board member gives me a vital platform to advocate for our entire region. I am incredibly proud to champion our students and advance our mission of empowering every learner to thrive, contribute to a diverse community, and reach their full potential.”

The Road Ahead

Decisions made in Washington, D.C., can have a direct impact on classrooms here in Liberty. By participating in national legislative advocacy, Superintendent Dr. Sullivan helps ensure that the voices of Liberty students, families, and educators are represented in important conversations about the future of public education.

The Liberty Central School District is thrilled to announce the completion and reopening of our newly renovated athletic field. The community can now come and enjoy the athletic field with public access opening on Friday, July 10, 2026. To prevent damage while we prepare maintenance procedures, cleats are strictly prohibited on the track and athletic field at this time.

Save the Dates:

On July 23, 2026 at 5:30pm, LCSD will have a Community Forum “Walk and Talk” on the new track. Come chat with Dr. Sullivan and stay connected with your school community. 

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the beginning of this upcoming 2026-2027 school year. We are excited for this new era and the transformation of our schools.

First introduced as part of the capital project in 2024, this comprehensive revamp is an integral part to provide our students with the quality spaces they need to truly thrive. The district honors its commitment to fostering student wellness, enhancing extracurricular engagement, and providing resources that support student development. 

Key Upgrades Include:  

• Resurfacing the running track 
• Artificial turf muti-sport playing field (with drainage)
• Slot drains at track perimeter 
• Replaced the long-jump
• New concrete sidewalk for ADA accessibility 
• New bleachers 
• New press box
• Audio, lighting and scoreboard improvements
• Field lighting 

Improvements Directly Contributing to Student Success:

Enhanced PE Classes: Physical education classes can now fully utilize the field, even during unpredictable seasonal weather.

Weather-Resilient Athletics: Athletic teams will no longer face disruptions from poor field conditions due to excess rain or weather patterns.

Elevated Game-Day Experience: An upgraded press box and sound system ensure clear announcements and proper recognition for our teams.

Even Playing Field: By prioritizing inclusion, this upgraded facility provides the equitable resources and visibility our players need to elevate their gameplay and compete within their division. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who brought this vision to life:

• District Leadership & Planning: The Board of Education, administration, faculty, coaches, staff, and Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna.
• Design, Management & Construction Teams: LAN Associates and their partners, Gerard Associates, The LA Group, Schoolhouse Construction Management, Clark Companies, Southern Bleacher Company, and Musco Lighting.
• Community Partners: State and local officials, our students, and the entire Liberty community.

Stay up to date with all our capital projects (Link).

Dear Liberty Families,

Good afternoon. Meteorological summer is here, and the forecast certainly reflects that. As temperatures have been in the 80s, the district is closely monitoring the forecast. Please know that we are actively tracking the temperatures in our classrooms and are following all of our procedures to keep students and staff comfortable and safe.

We want to remind students and staff to take proactive steps to help combat the heat. Most importantly, please stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated beverages. Water bottle filling stations are located throughout all school buildings, so we encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle and fill it often. Additionally, dressing in lightweight, light-colored, and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, can make a big difference.

Inside our buildings, we are taking several steps to manage the heat. The middle school has air conditioning, which will be utilized as needed. At the elementary and high schools, which do not have air conditioning, we are providing additional cooling by utilizing air movers in the hallways, pulling down shades, and opening windows to promote air circulation. We are also turning off overhead lights and unused electronics that produce excess heat, as well as facilitating frequent water breaks.

Per district policy, if temperatures in occupiable classrooms and support services spaces reach the 88-degree threshold, students and staff may be removed from those locations. When practicable, they will be moved to cooler areas; if that is not possible, school may be dismissed early. Furthermore, on days when outside temperatures are expected to be high enough that indoor spaces will likely reach 88 degrees despite our mitigation measures, the district may choose to hold classes remotely or close school entirely.

Any changes to the daily schedule will be communicated promptly via our standard emergency closure channels, which include ParentSquare, our website at www.libertyk12.org, and local media outlets. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at questions@libertyk12.org. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our school community safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent