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.

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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. 

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.

Liberty Central School District recently welcomed families and community members to its annual Community Forum. 

The district administration has hosted these forums as part of its commitment to strengthening communication and engagement with the Liberty Central School District community. Guided by the district’s five-year Strategic Plan, now entering its fifth year. These forums provided an opportunity to review district priorities, share updates, and discuss plans for the 2026-27 school year

The school year begins for students on Thursday, Sept. 3. and BOCES starts Tuesday, Sept. 8. 

Strategic Plan

The forum began with a review of the strategic plan and each pillar — Coherence, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Curriculum and Culture — and an overview of what the district is doing to move forward this year. The plan, along with the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan . 

Curricular Updates

The district continues to expand academic opportunities for students. At the middle school, all eighth-grade students will continue to take Algebra 1, while enrichment opportunities and the Agriculture and Technology program will be offering Introduction to Agriculture. Moreover, the middle school will be reintroducing its Technology courses for grades 7 and 8.

At the high school, Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) coursework is expanding for 2026–27, with new offerings in General Chemistry, Composition and U.S. History, in addition to continuing General Biology. The district will also continue its Siena University dual-enrollment Computer Science course.

Communications

Communication remains an important component of the district’s Culture strategic pillar. The district continues to use ParentSquare to support communication with families and is reinforcing consistent communication practices across the district. 

If you are trying to get in contact with your child’s school, please refer to the chain of command calling guide. 

New District Website coming in October 2026. 

Safety Practices & Visitor Procedures 

Safety remains a top priority. Liberty continues to use single-point entry, video surveillance, School Resource Officers, emergency drills, Anonymous Alerts and Gaggle to support student safety. Dr. Sullivan reviewed the district’s safety measures and visitor procedures. We will be introducing a new visitor management system, but there will be no changes to our procedures. Families are also reminded that Anonymous Alerts provides a way to report safety or bullying concerns, while Gaggle monitors student internet activity for potential concerns. Together, these tools support the district’s commitment to a safe, supportive learning environment and the Dignity for All Students Act.

Capital Project Update 

Dr. Sullivan reported on progress across the District’s ongoing construction projects. The athletic field is complete and will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

Other Updates:

• Asbestos abatement: Completed in the High School cafeteria and 300 Wing, with required testing confirming the areas are safe for continued construction.
• Demolition: Ceiling tiles, grids, walls and other materials have been removed to prepare for renovations.
• Electrical, heating & plumbing: Updates and removals are underway.
• Cafeteria: Will be available to students when school begins. Construction will continue during the school year, with completion targeted for summer 2027.
• 300 Wing: Construction is underway.
• Construction Schedule: Work will be paused on September 3 and resume September 8. Construction will not impact instructional learning.
• Parking Updates: Contractors will be parking in a temporary lot on the field in front of Liberty High School. It is essential that middle school families do not block driveways during arrival, dismissal, and throughout the school day. 

For more information and ongoing updates, please visit the District’s website. 

 

Cellphone Policy

Liberty Central School District has implemented a policy in accordance with Education Law §2803, also known as the bell-to-bell cellphone free policy. Dr. Sullivan reviewed the district’s cellphone free policy.  Cell Phone Policy FAQ .

Any questions? Email: questions@libertyk12.org.

 

This summer, Liberty Central School District students are turning hard work into meaningful community impact. For students Christian Curry and Shea-Leigh Kristiansen, the Sullivan 180 internship has provided more than a summer job. Through hands-on experiences in community beautification, mentoring younger students, and community engagement, both students are developing professional skills that can support their academic and future career pathways.

From a Liberty Teacher’s Recommendation to a Summer of Learning

Kristiansen, who is entering her junior year at Liberty High School, is completing her first year with Sullivan 180. Her path to the internship began with a recommendation from her seventh-grade teacher, who encouraged her to consider the program once she turned 16. The teacher recognized Kristiansen’s interest in being outdoors and involved in the community. 

Once she turned 16, Kristiansen researched the program, applied, and participated in an interview. She was ultimately selected for the internship.

The experience has given Kristiansen the opportunity to develop new skills while working alongside Curry, who has helped mentor her throughout the summer.

From Intern to Leader

Curry, a 12th-grade student at Liberty High School, is completing his second year with Sullivan 180. His path to the internship began when his mother came across a flyer about the program at her workplace and brought it home. After completing the application and participating in an interview, Curry was selected for the internship.

The opportunity also had a personal connection for Curry. His sister participated in the Sullivan 180 internship approximately three years ago, and her experience encouraged him to consider the program for himself.

“I thought she enjoyed it, and I thought I would enjoy it too,” Curry said.

During his first year, Curry worked at several locations, including Swan Lake, LaPolt Park , and the Parksville Rail Trail. His responsibilities included maintaining public spaces, removing litter and weeds, caring for gardens, and helping keep the areas welcoming for the community.

This year, Curry’s responsibilities have expanded. Working primarily at Laporte, he has taken on a leadership role and has been able to share the knowledge and routines he developed during his first year with Kristiansen.

“I definitely got more of a leadership role,” Curry said. “I’m really mentoring Shea-Leigh about how things are around here.”

Curry has also gained confidence through the experience. He described becoming more comfortable communicating with coworkers and members of the public and taking on greater responsibility than he did during his first year.

 

Learning by Teaching

One of the most meaningful aspects of the internship for both students has been the opportunity to work with younger children in the community. As part of the program, the interns lead educational activities for campers at Hanofee Park, teaching children about horticulture, plant identification, and environmental responsibility.

The interns work with campers on activities such as planting flowers, identifying weeds and perennials, spreading mulch, and watering and maintaining gardens. They recently helped plant a red maple tree at the park, creating an opportunity for the children to watch it grow over time.

“Just yesterday, we planted a tree at Hanofee. We planted a red maple,” Curry said. “It’s something that they could see grow and come back to, and they’re always going to value that experience.”

The campers have responded enthusiastically, becoming increasingly involved as they see their peers participating. For the interns, encouraging younger students to become interested in gardening has become another important part of their experience.

For Kristiansen, the experience has also provided an opportunity to turn what she has learned into lessons for younger students.

“I think it’s been pretty cool to see how I’m learning these skills and then I get to turn around and teach them to the younger kids,” Kristiansen said.

Skills That Extend Beyond the Internship

The lessons Curry and Kristiansen have learned through Sullivan 180 extend beyond gardening and community maintenance. Through their work, both students are developing communication, leadership, networking, and professional skills that can be applied to their education and future careers.

Kristiansen said the professional connections she has made through the internship have been especially valuable. Through those connections, she has learned about programs and opportunities that could benefit Liberty students and the broader school community.

“One of the most important parts of this internship was gaining professional skills and networking,” Kristiansen said. “I’ve met so many great people. I notice that some programs Liberty doesn’t have, but now I know who to reach out to, to bring programs to Liberty, to get grants to make Liberty a better school.”

At school, Kristiansen is active in student leadership, including the Building Leadership Team and Student Lighthouse Team. She hopes to use the communication, networking, and advocacy skills she has developed to help bring new opportunities to her school and community.

Kristiansen’s internship will conclude as she prepares to travel to Florida to tour colleges. The experience she gained through Sullivan 180 will be another accomplishment she can carry with her as she considers her future education and career.

As Curry prepares for his senior year, he plans to apply the leadership skills he has developed through Sullivan 180 to his work at BOCES, where he studies automotive technology. He also plans to highlight his internship experience as he explores college opportunities.

“I’d say Sullivan 180 and SkillsUSA look great on college applications,” Curry said. “I’m actually looking into SUNY Delaware for their Auto Tech program. I actually went around and toured, and it looks great there.”

What began as a flyer brought home by a parent or a recommendation from a teacher has become an experience that has helped both students develop skills, confidence, and a stronger connection to their community.

As their internships come to an end, Curry and Kristiansen leave with experiences they can carry into their next chapters and a greater understanding of what they can accomplish when given the opportunity to lead, learn, and serve.

Capital Project Update: July 2026 Progress

July marked another important step forward in the Liberty Central School District’s capital project. Throughout the month, crews focused on safely clearing and preparing the cafeteria and 300 Wing for the next stages of construction.

The work began with the removal of identified asbestos-containing materials. The project’s subcontractor completed asbestos abatement, safely removing floor tile, adhesive, and pipe insulation from the designated areas.

Caption: High School Guidance Suite 

Cafeteria High School

Once the abatement work was complete, Quest Environmental monitored the area and conducted the required testing. All testing results were negative for contamination, and the affected spaces were cleared for occupancy. 

With the areas cleared, demolition continued. Butler Construction removed ceiling tiles, ceiling grids, walls, and other existing materials to make way for the renovations ahead. Demolition and preparation work will continue through August and September 

 

Caption: High school Cafeteria and Senior Lounge Area 

300 Wing Classroom High School 

Crews also began addressing the building’s existing electrical, heating, and plumbing systems. Electrical contractors removed outdated wiring, conduits, and electrical devices, while materials identified for reuse or preservation were carefully stored for future use. 

300 Wing Hallway – Liberty High School

Heating and plumbing work also progressed. MDS disconnected heating units and sections of piping to prepare the spaces for the next stages of construction. TM Brennan removed and replaced hot and cold water lines, and sinks and toilets were removed as part of the ongoing renovation. 

Looking Ahead

Cafeteria

Students will have access to the cafeteria at the start of the 2026–27 school year. Construction will continue throughout the semester; however, it is not expected to interrupt daily school operations. Work areas will be separated from occupied spaces to help ensure the safety of students and staff.

The cafeteria is currently targeted for completion in summer 2027, in part due to the window replacement work.

300 Wing

Work in the 300 Wing has started and will be ongoing. A temporary door will separate the construction area from occupied school spaces.

Contractors will access the construction area through the courtyards. A new entrance will be used specifically for construction access and will not serve as an entrance for students or staff.

Continuing Work

Construction will continue throughout August and September as contractors prepare the spaces for the next phases of the project. Some room assignments may change as the District adjusts spaces to meet school needs.

The District will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

For more information about the Capital Project please visit our Capital Project webpage