Category: Archive
Join Liberty CSD’s Strategic Planning Team – Two Ways to Get Involved
Liberty Central School District – Strategic Plan Refresh
Steering Committee Recruitment
Dear Liberty CSD Community,
Liberty Central School District is refreshing its strategic plan, and we want your voice at the table. This plan will guide our district’s priorities for years to come, and it works best when it reflects the full range of people who make up our community, students [grades 4-12], teachers, staff, administrators, counselors, parents, community partners, and alumni.
To lead this work, we are recruiting community members for two distinct engagement pathways. Choose the role that best fits your availability:
Option 1: Strategic Planning Steering Team (Full Commitment)
For those who can commit to scheduled in-person working sessions across the school year.
| Date | Time |
| Thursday, October 15th | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Thursday + Friday, December 17th-18th | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday + Thursday, March 10th-11th | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Thursday, June 3rd | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
Option 2: Strategic Feedback Ambassadors (Low Commitment)
For those who want to contribute but cannot commit to meeting dates.
Ambassadors participate by reviewing draft documents, providing feedback on plan designs, and participating in occasional short focus groups or surveys. These opportunities may be in-person or virtual. Time commitment for this role is approximately 1-2 hours per quarter.
How to Apply
Whether you want to join the Steering Team or serve as a Strategic Feedback Ambassador, please fill out our single interest form below and select your preferred track.
Click HERE to submit your name for the strategic plan refresh stakeholder teams.
Questions? Please contact me at psullivan@libertyk12.org or 845-292-6990.
To ensure balanced representation and productive working groups, we may need to limit group sizes depending on the level of interest we receive. If Steering Team spots fill up, we’ll make sure you’re connected as a Strategic Feedback Ambassador so your voice is still heard. Steering Team members and Feedback Ambassadors will be named by October 9, 2026. We look forward to shaping the future of Liberty CSD together!
Warmly,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent of Schools, Liberty Central School District
In partnership with engage2learn
Liberty CSD Dedicates Memorial Tree in Honor of Michelle Behrman
On Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, students, families and staff gathered at Liberty Middle School to dedicate a memorial tree and plaque in honor of Michelle Behrman, a beloved guidance counselor whose compassion, dedication and advocacy left a lasting impact on the school community.
About Michelle Behrman
Michelle completed her early education in the Arlington School District before earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. She later received a master’s degree in school counseling from Radford University, where she was honored with the School Counselor Award.
For more than 20 years, Michelle served as a guidance counselor at Liberty Middle School, beginning her career in the district in 2001. She embodied the qualities the district strives to instill in its students, including intelligence, perseverance and resilience. Throughout her tenure, she was a dedicated mentor, led PBIS initiatives for many years and built meaningful relationships with students, families and colleagues.
Outside of school, Michelle enjoyed traveling with loved ones. She was known for her generous spirit, compassionate heart and unwavering commitment to advocating for her students.
Supporting Students Through Michelle’s Legacy
The Michelle Behrman Memorial Awards honor Michelle’s more than 20 years of service as a Liberty Middle School guidance counselor and the values she modeled: intelligence, perseverance, integrity and courage.
Liberty CSD offers two award opportunities for students. The Middle School Memorial Award recognizes a student who consistently demonstrates integrity and stands up for others, even when doing so is difficult. The High School Memorial Scholarship awards one or two scholarships annually to students who reflect on their future goals and share a time they chose to do what was right.
Supported by donations from Michelle’s colleagues, friends and family, along with significant contributions from Walter Behrman and Lois Behrman, these awards ensure her legacy continues to positively impact Liberty students for years to come.
Honoring Michelle
Located near the front entrance of Liberty Middle School, the memorial features a commemorative tree donated by Deb of Liberty Home and Garden and an engraved plaque made possible through community support. The project was completed through the collaborative efforts of community and staff members and the Liberty Central School District Buildings and Grounds Department. Jaime Black, Joe Davis and Tony Lescynski prepared the site and oversaw the installation, helping create a lasting tribute to Michelle Behrman and her enduring impact on the school community.
During the dedication ceremony, attendees reflected on the lasting impact Michelle Behrman had on the students, families and colleagues whose lives she touched. Liberty Middle School Principal Heather Cheh shared heartfelt remarks, remembering Michelle as a cherished colleague, mentor and friend whose kindness, compassion and dedication continue to inspire the school community.
“Thank you all for being here as we remember and celebrate our friend and colleague Michelle.
For more than 20 years, Michelle’s kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of countless students, families, and coworkers. This plaque reminds us that although we miss her deeply, her light continues to shine through the many lives she touched and the memories we carry with us.
Today is simply a time to be together, share our stories and memories of Michelle, and celebrate the very special person she was.
Anyone who would like to say a few words aloud can do so first, then everyone can share amongst yourselves and enjoy each other’s company.”
The memorial was created to ensure that her legacy remains a visible and meaningful part of the school community for future generations. The tree will continue to grow alongside the students who pass it each day, serving as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the lasting connections that shape the Liberty Middle School community.
Important Update: Sept. 18 Bus Accident
Dear Liberty,
As we communicated earlier, the Gray Elephant carrying Liberty Central School District students was involved in a traffic accident during its morning route today, Sept. 18. Nine students, a bus monitor, and the driver were on the bus at the time of the accident. Emergency services were immediately notified and responded to the scene. At this time, no injuries have been reported as a result of the accident. Out of an abundance of caution, all students were subsequently transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Liberty works closely with our transportation partner, Rolling V, to ensure the safety of our students. We extend our sincere thanks to Rolling V, first responders, and school staff for their prompt response.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent of Liberty Central School District
Liberty Elementary Remembers 9/11
On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, Liberty Elementary School came together to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and honor the resilience, unity and service that emerged in the aftermath of that historic day.
Music filled the Liberty Elementary School parking lot as first responders gathered alongside students and staff for the special remembrance ceremony. Under sunny skies and a gentle breeze, teachers and administrators prepared a refreshment table as a small token of appreciation for the first responders whose dedication and service support the community every day.
Liberty Elementary was honored to welcome local first responders, including members of the New York State Police, Swan Lake Fire Department, Village of Liberty Police Department, Liberty Fire Department, Mobile Medic, White Sulphur Springs FD , Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department with K-9 Unit, Retired NYS Troopers and police officer, White Lake Fire Department, and Monticello Fire Department. They joined students and staff for a special remembrance ceremony recognizing the sacrifices made and the enduring spirit of community.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Despite their young age, students stood quietly in reflection, demonstrating both respect and understanding of the day’s significance. Principal Robert England spoke about the events of Sept. 11 in an age-appropriate way, helping students understand what happened while emphasizing the values of community, courage and service that emerged in its aftermath.
The students demonstrated that, even 25 years later, the meaning of Sept. 11 continues to be passed on to younger generations. For second-grade student Neriah, the lessons of the day are reinforced both at school and at home through conversations with family members. When asked who was being honored during the ceremony, she proudly responded, “the ambulance.”
Village of Liberty Police Chief Steve D’Agata reflected on the importance of remembering Sept. 11 and expressed appreciation for the district’s efforts to educate students about its significance.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Mr. England and the Liberty School District for really taking the message of today to heart and organizing all this,” D’Agata said. “It’s important to make sure that we never forget the loss that our country went through and also how we came together.”
For many first responders and members of the community, the events of Sept. 11 are personal memories. Others were very young when the attacks occurred and learned about the events through stories shared by family members, educators and their communities.
D’Agata said that continuing events like this allows those stories to be passed down to a new generation.
“For a lot of our team, they were very young when 9/11 happened,” he said. “Some of us do remember exactly where we were, and I think part of today is passing that torch and continuing to tell the stories of that day and what happened.”
By bringing students and first responders together, Liberty Elementary continued the tradition of honoring those affected by the tragedy while ensuring the lessons of service, sacrifice and unity are never forgotten.
#LibertyPride
Next Board of Education Meeting- Tuesday September 15, 2026
The next Board of Education meeting will be on Tuesday September 15, 2026 in the HS Media Center, 125 Buckley Street, Liberty NY at 6:00 pm.
There will be a new teacher and newly tenured teacher reception with the Board of Education at 5:30 pm, also in the HS Media Center.
The agenda will be available on Monday September 14, 2026 at Board Docs.
Transportation Update: Brown House Bus Route Delay
Good afternoon,
This afternoon, the Brown Horse bus experienced a delay due to an incident involving a parent attempting to board the bus without authorization. The bus driver followed established safety procedures, and the situation resulted in a temporary disruption to the route.
As a result of the incident, the bus was delayed by approximately 30-45 minutes. Local law enforcement has responded.
At no time were any students in danger. The safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority. We take situations like this very seriously.
Warm regards,
Liberty Central School District
RSVP Today: LES Invites First Responders to Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Liberty Elementary School will host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: Honoring the Past, Present and Future at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2026.
The ceremony provides an opportunity for students, staff, and community members to come together in remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, while also recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and service of first responders.
Liberty Elementary School warmly invites all current and former firefighters, police officers, and EMTs to attend as honored guests. Their presence helps inspire future generations and serves as a meaningful reminder of the dedication of those who protect and serve our communities.
Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to Kristen Joyce at KJoyce@libertyk12.org by Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
Event Information
Date: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 8:45 a.m.
Location: Liberty Elementary School
201 N. Main St.
Liberty, NY
Liberty Central School District looks forward to honoring the past, recognizing the present, and inspiring the future through this annual tradition.
First Week Recap: Liberty CSD Begins a New Year
First Week Recap: Liberty CSD Begins a New Year
Liberty Central School District staff gathered on September 1 and 2 for Superintendent’s Conference Days, marking the official start of the 2026-27 school year. The two-day event provided faculty, staff, and administrators with opportunities to reconnect, learn, and prepare for students’ return.
The opening day began with a districtwide gathering at the Liberty High School Auditorium, where Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan welcomed employees and shared priorities for the year ahead. Staff also celebrated years of service milestones and recognized new administrators, faculty, and staff joining the Liberty school community.
Throughout the conference days, employees participated in a variety of professional learning sessions focused on student achievement, safety, technology, mental health awareness, special education practices, curriculum planning, and district goals. Building-level teams also met to review school priorities, strengthen safety procedures, and collaborate on plans to support student success.
From classroom readiness and curriculum mapping to data analysis and student services, the conference days reflected Liberty’s commitment to continuous improvement and creating positive learning experiences for every student.
With the preparation complete, Liberty CSD staff are ready to welcome students back and begin another year of learning, growth, and success.
The 2026-27 school year is officially underway, and the first days of school across Liberty Central School District were filled with excitement, preparation, and welcoming smiles as students returned to classrooms.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of faculty and staff across the district, the opening of school was a success. From teachers and teaching assistants to support staff, administrators, transportation employees, custodians, food service workers, and office personnel, every team played an important role in ensuring students and families felt welcomed and supported.
Opening a new school year is no small task. Schools operate in a fast-paced environment with countless moving parts, changing needs, and new challenges each day. Throughout the first week, Liberty staff demonstrated flexibility, teamwork, and a shared commitment to student success, helping students transition smoothly into their new routines.
We look forward to the year ahead. One day at a time.
A New Field. A New Chapter.
LIBERTY, NY – The Liberty Central School District officially opened its new athletic field and track with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 4, bringing together students, staff, Board of Education members, local officials, coaches, and community members to celebrate a significant investment in student athletics and wellness.
The ceremony began with a welcome and performance of the National Anthem by the Liberty High School Band before district leaders and student-athletes gathered to mark the occasion.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan thanked Board of Education members, local officials, and the Liberty community for their support in making the project a reality.
“Today is the first step toward our future,” Sullivan said. “This track and field is not just a place where our student-athletes compete or take part in physical education; it is a symbol that brings us together.”
He noted that the facility represents a long-term investment that will positively impact generations of Liberty students.
Board of Education Vice President Maureen Crescitelli and Athletic Director TJ Zehner also shared remarks highlighting the importance of providing students with high-quality athletic facilities.
Zehner spoke about the vision behind the project, referencing the well-known quote from Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.”
“When we envisioned this new facility, that exact idea was at the heart of it,” Zehner said. “We knew that if we invested in a safe, state-of-the-art space for our kids, they would step up.”
He emphasized the opportunities the new complex will create for students, including encouraging participation in athletics, promoting teamwork and resilience, and supporting healthy lifestyles.
“This field is a promise to every student in the Liberty Central School District: your health, your potential, and your dreams matter to this community,” Zehner said.
Student-athletes also reflected on what the facility means to them.
Jose Moreno Reyes, senior captain of the boys varsity soccer team, said the new turf field will provide athletes with improved training opportunities and a competitive advantage.
“We are excited to be the first group of student-athletes to play on the new turf field,” Moreno Reyes said. “This field will allow us to get better practice when the weather is poor, improve our skills on a true surface, and increase our speed of play.”
He added that the team looks forward to playing in front of packed home crowds and continuing to make the Liberty community proud.
Audrey Krum, senior captain of the girls varsity soccer and track and field teams, spoke about the impact the facility will have on student-athletes across multiple sports.
“As a multi-sport student-athlete who will be getting a lot of use out of this new facility this year, I couldn’t be more thankful to be able to end my high school career on our new track and turf field,” Krum said.
She reflected on the challenges faced by the track program during construction, including practicing off-site and traveling to use other facilities. Despite those obstacles, the team achieved considerable success, including an indoor Division III championship in 2025 and a strong outdoor season.
“Having a new track will rejuvenate us again and help us compete at a higher level,” Krum said.
The celebration concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting featuring Board of Education members, administrators, student-athletes, coaches, and project partners, officially opening the facility for use.
The new athletic complex will serve students across the district for athletics, physical education classes, and community events, creating opportunities for current and future Redhawks to learn, compete, and grow.
“This field is officially yours,” Zehner told students. “Go out there, get active, and make us proud. Go Redhawks!”
Liberty CSD Proudly Recognizes 2026 SCSBA Nominees
Corporal Adam Lake is an exemplary candidate for the Sullivan County School
Boards Association Outstanding Friend of the District Award, which honors individuals who have made a significant impact on the education of children in Sullivan County. As Liberty Central School District’s School Resource Officer, Corporal Lake consistently goes above and beyond his duties to support, mentor, and inspire students. A proud Liberty High School graduate, he is deeply committed to giving back to the community that helped shape him. He helps foster a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged. Beyond the school day, Mr. Lake dedicates his time to coaching district sports teams, where he teaches teamwork, perseverance, respect, and integrity. His compassion and leadership to student success have positively influenced countless young lives and strengthened the entire school community. Through his service and dedication, Mr. Lake has made a lasting difference in the lives of children throughout Sullivan County and is highly deserving of this distinguished recognition.
Tracey Magie is exceptionally deserving of the Sullivan County School Boards 
Association Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for her lasting impact on the education of children throughout Sullivan County. For more than two decades, she has served Liberty Central School District in numerous capacities, including teacher, instructional coach, reading facilitator, PTA officer, Building Leadership Team member, and Policy Board member of the Sullivan County Teacher Center. Driven by a deep commitment to students and families, Tracey has been a leader in advancing literacy instruction and promoting evidence-based practices grounded in the science of reading. Her advocacy extends beyond the classroom as she works tirelessly to support educators, strengthen family engagement, and ensure all students have opportunities to succeed. Tracey is also a passionate champion for newcomer students and families, helping them feel welcomed while encouraging academic growth and achievement. Through her leadership, dedication, and countless hours of service, she has helped make Liberty a stronger learning community and has positively influenced the lives of students, families, and educators for generations.
Congratulations to both nominees on this well-deserved recognition. Their service exemplifies the very best of Liberty Central School District, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary contributions to education and student success.
The awards ceremony will be on October 5th at the Villa Roma Clubhouse. Anyone wishing to attend please contact District Clerk Tania DeFrank at tdefrank@libertyk12.org.