Category: Archive
Liberty CSD New Athletic Fields Are Ready!
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).
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:
-
- 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.
Meeting offers info on Title 1, ESSA at LHS
Liberty High School held a community meeting at 3:30 p.m. June 16 in the High School Media Center to go over details of Title I and ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) and their impact on the school.
Principal Stephen Matuszak’s presentation explained that a Title I school is eligible to become a Title I schoolwide model when the poverty level (determined by free and reduced meal counts) is at or above 40%. The program is a comprehensive reform strategy designed to upgrade the entire educational program in a Title I school with its primary goal is to ensure that all students, particularly those who are low-achieving, demonstrate proficient and advanced levels of achievement on state academic achievement standards.
The designation provides financial assistance to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.
In 2025-26, the district received $654,370 in Title I funding, which was used for salaries and employee benefits for Academic Intervention Services teachers, salaries and supplies for parent and family engagement nights, food and clothing for homeless students and more.
The presentation also offered an overview of the LHS curriculum and program offerings.
- Core academic subjects:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Physical Education
- Foreign Languages
- Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities and dual-credit/college-credit partnerships with colleges and universities:
- Syracuse University (SUPA)
- Siena University
- SUNY Sullivan
- Career and technical pathways (BOCES CTE), including areas such as:
- Nursing
- Autobody
- Early Childhood
- Autobody
- Construction
- Cosmetology
- Welding
- Culinary
Mr. Matuszak’s presentation explained how LHS measures student progress toward the goal of all students completing end-of-year assessment exams and earning a passing score on Regents exams. Student performance is reviewed and analyzed throughout the year, with curriculum modified, enhanced and adapted to support student success. Progress reports are provided to parents and guardians mid-quarter.
It also emphasized the importance of family engagement and communication using tools such as ParentSquare, SchoolTool/Parent Portal and the district website.
Key elements of the family engagement policy are:
- Annual Title I meetings to explain the school’s participation in Title I programs, parent rights, and opportunities for involvement.
- Flexible parent meeting times and accessible meeting locations to encourage participation.
- Ongoing communication about curriculum, academic assessments, proficiency expectations, and student progress.
- Parent participation in the planning, review, and improvement of Title I programs and family engagement activities.
- Opportunities for parents to provide suggestions and participate in decision-making related to their child’s education.
- Support for families through communication, training, and coordination with community resources.
The presentation closed by highlighting how parents and guardians can be involved:
- LHS BLT (Building Leadership Team)
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Family Engagement Opportunities
- Attending Open House and Parent Teacher Conferences (Fall & Spring)
- Contacting LHS Main Office
For more information, contact Mr. Matuszak at smatuszak@libertyk12.org, or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2005.
Liberty seeks volunteers for title grant review
As a requirement for receiving ESSA Title Grant funds, Liberty Central School District must hold an annual meeting to review its title grant funding. Volunteers are needed. The attendees for this meeting must be from various roles (parents, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, support personnel, researchers, community members, etc.) within the district and school community. Each attendee can only fill one role.
The meeting will take place from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 25, in the High School Library with a virtual option via Google Meet.
Those interested should contact Brittany Caruso at bcaruso@libertyk12.org or 845-292-6171). Once confirmed, a calendar invite will be shared.
District takes steps to manage heat
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
Liberty Redhawks Track and Field to compete in state qualifiers
The Liberty Track and Field team competed last weekend in the Class B Section 9 Championships.
The top finishers were as follows:
- Boys: Aaden Woolard, fifth place in high jump; and Dylan Romero with a new school record in the 400m dash with a time of 51.00 seconds.
- Girls: Audrey Krum, fifth place in pentathlon; Sydania Foster, fifth place in the 400m; Starriah Harris, fifth place in the 400m hurdles; Brooke Bull, second place in pole vault; and 4x100m relay team of Victoria Henry, Starriah Harris, Brooke Bull and Sydania Foster with third place. The girls team placed seventh overall.
The following will be competing in the state qualifiers today and tomorrow:
- Wednesday, June 3, starting at 2:30 p.m. at Cornwall High School: Joe Sarney, 100m & 200m; Dylan Romero, 200m; Colten Allen, 200m; Adriana Ponce Agredano, 800m & triple jump; Brooke Bull, pole vault; Starriah Harris, 100m hurdles; Sydania Foster, 100m; Audrey Krum, pentathlon; Peyton Rivera, pentathlon;and Aaden Woolard, high jump
- Thursday, June 4, starting at 3:30 at Goshen High School: Quinn Santiago, 400m; Victoria Henry, long jump; Dylan Romero, 400m; Sydania Foster, 400m; Aaden Woolard, long jump; Audrey Krum, pentathlon; Peyton Rivera, pentathlon; Girls 4x100m relay (Victoria, Starriah, Brooke, Sydania *alt Quinn); Girls 4x400m relay (Starriah, Quinn, Brooke, Sydania *alt Adriana); Boys 4x100m relay (Joe, Colten, Dylan, Aaden *alts Tyleal Aubain and Samuel Blandon); and Boys 4x400m relay (Joe, Colten, Dylan, Tyleal *alts Michael Reyes and Samuel)
Good luck, Redhawks! The state championship meet will be held June 13 and 14 at Webster Schroeder High School in Webster.
LMS assistant principal/community schools coordinator earns Hummingbird Award
Liberty Middle School Assistant Principal and District Community Schools Coordinator Katlyn Rusin was recently named a Hummingbird Award winner, presented by the Liberty Rotary Club.
The club hosted its 11th annual Hummingbird Award and Paul Harris Recognition Luncheon on May 9 in the Liberty High School Cafeteria. The award recognizes individuals and groups who are “doing the best they can” to improve lives and make the world a better place.
“To me, this award represents the collective heartbeat of a community that truly shows up for its kids,” Mrs. Rusin said.
She was nominated by Rotary Club President Alyssa Thalmann, who is also a fifth and sixth grade science teacher at LMS.
“Rotary celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of ‘Service Above Self,’ and your dedication to the students, staff and families of Liberty Middle School truly reflects that ideal. Your leadership and commitment do not go unnoticed,” Mrs. Thalmann said honoring Mrs. Rusin. “Each day, through both large initiatives and the small, meaningful acts of kindness and support, you help create a positive and empowering environment for everyone around you.”
Mrs. Thalmann noted Mrs. Rusin’s leadership and dedication to the school and community, as well as embracing the principles of Leader in Me, and having a cooperative spirit.
“Like the hummingbird in the well-known story, whose small but determined actions help make a difference, you demonstrate that meaningful change happens through consistent care, dedication and leadership,” she added. “Your contributions to Liberty’s students and community are deeply valued and appreciated.”
Mrs. Rusin, who is a graduate of Liberty High School, said she is grateful for the recognition, “but the true reward is the privilege of partnering with such dedicated people every day.
“No one does this work in a vacuum,” she continued. “I’m just one piece of a puzzle, working alongside my school team and our local partners to help our youth realize the power of giving back.”
Clubs help students find their voices
Liberty students have many options to find their “people” through a variety of clubs at the middle and high school levels.
From arts to academics or chess to yearbook, students get together throughout the school year.
“It’s important to offer a variety of extra-curricular activities,” High School Principal Stephen Matuszak said. “They help students gain new skills, find their voices and build camaraderie.”
Two of the newest clubs are FFA and esports.
Through agricultural education, FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, personal growth and career success. In only its second year, the story of the club’s founding will be featured at the state conference this month.
At the other end of the spectrum are the esports teams, which started in January. About a dozen students gather daily from January to April to play popular online games against others in the state in the Empire State Scholastic Esports Federation (ESSEF). The teams had strong starts to the year, with multiple victories. Students made playoff appearances in three games: Super Smash Bros solo as well as Marvel Rivals and Rocket League Teams.
Varied arts experiences available
Musical, visual and performing arts are thriving at all levels in Liberty.
“Beyond being a creative outlet, the arts are vital to a well-rounded education,” Middle School Principal Heather Cheh said. “Numerous studies have linked strong arts programs to better academic outcomes for students.”
For seven years in a row, Liberty has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education, highlighting the array of musical opportunities for students, from starting musical instrument lessons in fourth grade to honors ensembles at the high school level. Each year, the students’ musical talents are highlighted during winter and spring concerts, as well as special events including the annual Jazz Festival, parades and the Liberty Music and Community Festival. This year, Liberty was honored to host the annual All-County Music Festival.
Liberty student visual artists showcase their work annually at the PK-12 countywide art show and districtwide show. And high schoolers’ literary works, including poetry, creative work and literary arts, are highlighted in the annual Allusions magazine and during the Allusions Cafe. This year, high school student photographers earned a record-breaking number of awards (65 total) during the Mid-Hudson Regional Scholastic competition.
The district is also seeing more student thespians, starting at a younger age. A few years ago, Liberty High School’s Liberty Performing Arts (LPA) invited middle and elementary students to participate in their shows, which helped spark the formation of drama clubs at each of those buildings last year. Now the Liberty community can enjoy shows four times each year, with musicals by the elementary and middle school clubs and two shows per year by LPA.
Redhawk spirit, skills and participation growing in athletics
Last year, Liberty Central School District Athletic Department instituted its Champion Plan, which aims to bring championships back to Liberty and cultivate athletes who thrive on and off the field.
The department has built upon existing programs, including Athletes Helping Athletes and youth sports, to help foster opportunities, offer mentorships and build skills to improve the sports culture across the district.
Earlier this year, Liberty hosted Coach Kevin Metcalf, a longtime teacher and coach at North Rockland now at St. Joseph Regional, for Coaching the Coaches sessions. The goal was to offer professional development for Redhawk coaches at all levels through sharing thought processes and approaches and to provide coaches with a place to collaborate and share experiences.
Additionally, the district is expanding opportunities for older athletes to interact with and help younger students through team-to-team skills development, assisting youth sports teams, and, most recently, the institution of intramurals at the elementary level.
“Interest in sports at Liberty is growing,” Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said, citing an increase in participation at all levels across seasons. “I look forward to what the future holds.”
And the teams are seeing success, highlighted by alpine skiing and girls indoor track and field athletes competing in states this year, as well as multiple league and sectional play off appearances and all star honors for the Redhawk athletes.