LIBERTY, N.Y. — In recognition of School Board Recognition Week, Oct. 12-16, Liberty Central School District extends its appreciation to the members of the Board of Education for their dedication, leadership and commitment to students, staff and the community. School Board Recognition Week honors the important role board members play in guiding public education.

The 2026-27 Board of Education includes President Pamela Teed Fisk, Vice President Maureen Crescitelli, and board members Erin Abplanalp, Matthew DeWitt, Timothy Hamblin, John L. Nichols, Maureen Stabak, Peter Racette and Eugene S. Thalmann.

The district also recognizes its 2026-27 student representatives, Jhosmery Jadan Pangolo and alternate student board member Sebastian Yupanqui.

Board members volunteer countless hours to establish district policies, oversee budgets and support educational programs that help students succeed. Liberty Central School District thanks its board members and student representatives for their service, leadership and dedication to public education.

Liberty Central School District is partnering with the League of Women Voters to help educate residents ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 general election. 

Have questions about voting? Wondering how the voting process works? Join us for a free, convenient 30-minute virtual information session hosted by the League of Women Voters.

This interactive discussion will provide voters with Q&A about the voting process and get answers to their questions from trusted, nonpartisan experts.

Making Your Vote Count

Wednesday, October 21st  at 7:00 pm via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85414597118?pwd=aGg0KHP3geGUFSoqVKjSEv7n1bYeQm.1

Meeting ID: 854 1459 7118

Passcode: 207971

Make Your Voting Plan:

With deadlines fast approaching for voter registration, below are a few simple steps to ensure your readiness to vote.

Early Voting:

Early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1.

Sullivan County residents may vote early at either of the following locations:

• Sullivan County Board of Elections, Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North St., Monticello, NY 
• Sullivan County Public Health Office, 50 Community Lane, Liberty, NY

General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Voters can find their polling place on the voter information postcard mailed by the Sullivan County Board of Elections or by calling the Board of Elections at (845) 807-0400.

2) Are you registered to vote?

Before Election Day, take a few minutes to confirm your voter registration status. You can verify your registration through the New York State Voter Lookup.

You may need to update or re-register if:

• You have not voted in several years.
• You have moved since the last election in which you voted.
• You have legally changed your name.

Checking your registration now can help ensure a smooth voting experience on Election Day.

Need to Register to Vote?

To register to vote in New York, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old by Election Day
• A resident of your current address for at least 30 days before the election
• Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction

Registration Forms:

Voter registration forms are available at local post offices, libraries and the Sullivan County Board of Elections in Monticello. Forms can also be downloaded from the New York State Board of Elections.

Voters may also register online through the DMV or a NY.gov account.

Completed registration forms may be mailed or delivered in person to the Board of Elections. To be eligible for the upcoming election, registration applications must be received by Saturday, Oct. 24.

Voting by Mail

The mail-in voting process has not changed; however, postal delivery delays may affect ballot delivery times. The League of Women Voters recommends mailing ballots at least seven to 10 days before Election Day to ensure they arrive on time.

To vote by mail, voters must first apply for a mail-in ballot. Once received, the ballot can be completed and returned using the prepaid envelope provided.

Only ballots received by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, will be counted, so voters are encouraged to mail their ballots well in advance, as USPS processing and postmarking delays may affect delivery times.

Apply for a Mail-In Ballot

Voters can apply by:

• Completing an online application: https://ballotapplication.elections.ny.gov/home/earlymail 
• Picking up an application at the Board of Elections
• Downloading, completing and mailing an application to the Board of Elections

Mail-in ballot applications must be received by the Board of Elections no later than Oct. 24.

A voter may designate another person to pick up and deliver a ballot on their behalf.

Returning Your Ballot

Allow ample time for mail delivery when returning your completed ballot. If Election Day is less than a week away, consider hand-delivering the ballot or having your designated representative deliver it to the Board of Elections.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Planning ahead can help ensure your vote is counted.

Liberty Performing Arts Presents the Smash Hit Musical Comedy Little Shop of Horrors. 

Date & Time: November 6th at 7:00pm  & 7th at 2:00pm  

Location: Liberty High School —  David E Panebaker Auditorium 

Liberty Performing Arts is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of the sci-fi smash hit musical Little Shop of Horrors, running November 6th & 7th  at the Liberty High School. With a toe-tapping Motown, rock, and doo-wop score by Broadway legends Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, this deviously delicious hit promises a thrilling night out for theatregoers of all ages.

In Little Shop of Horrors, meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a strange and interesting new plant species. He names it “Audrey II” after his coworker crush, but soon discovers the young plant boasts a craving for a very specific, unconventional diet—blood. As Audrey II grows into an ill-tempered, R&B-singing giant, it offers Seymour sudden fame and fortune, but drags him into a dangerous web of moral compromise and global domination. 

“We are so excited to bring this timeless, darkly comedic classic to our local stage. It features an unforgettable score, incredible characters, and a monstrously fun physical production that audiences will love.”   

Purchase Tickets Here 

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  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.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to share information regarding a recent announcement from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents concerning the future of New York State high school graduation requirements. 

As part of the state’s NY Inspires initiative, New York is exploring changes to how students demonstrate readiness for graduation and life after high school. At its September meeting, the Board of Regents approved a framework for changes, and additional guidance and regulations are expected later this school year. Until those regulations are formally adopted, all current graduation requirements remain in effect. 

It is anticipated that beginning with students who graduate in 2028, New York will transition to a single high school diploma pathway. As part of this change, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams as a separate requirement for earning a diploma. 

It is important to note that Regents examinations are not being eliminated. They will continue to be administered and remain an important measure of student achievement and mastery of New York State learning standards. While much of the recent discussion has focused on Regents examinations, they are only one component of the broader work underway to modernize New York State’s graduation and assessment system. As part of this effort, New York State is exploring additional ways for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies they develop throughout their educational experience and their readiness for success beyond high school.

What This Means for Students Right Now

For the 2026-27 school year, all current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect. Students should continue to attend classes regularly, complete all required coursework and credits, prepare for and take Regents examinations as scheduled, and follow their current academic plans.

At this time, there are no immediate changes to student schedules, course requirements, or academic expectations.

Looking Ahead

New York State is gradually moving toward a broader approach to determining student readiness for life after high school. This work is guided by the state’s Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and qualities students should develop before graduation.

The Portrait of a Graduate identifies six key attributes:

• Academically Prepared
• Creative Innovator
• Critical Thinker
• Effective Communicator
• Global Citizen
• Reflective and Future Focused

These attributes reflect the state’s vision for ensuring all students graduate ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Until any changes take effect, students should continue to follow all existing course, credit, and Regents examination requirements. We will continue to keep families informed as additional guidance becomes available and will approach any future changes with students at the center of our planning and decision-making.

District-Specific Information

As we await further guidance from the New York State of the Department of Education, we will begin the creation of the Liberty Portrait of a Graduate throughout this year’s Strategic Plan Refresh process.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students. If you have questions, please contact questions@libertyk12.org or visit https://www.nysed.gov/ny-inspires for more information. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick Sullivan

In accordance with New York State Education Law, Liberty’s District-Wide Safety Plan is available for public viewing and comment until 10/24/2026.

Comments can be sent to questions@libertyk12.org

Liberty District-wide Safety Plan 2026-27 

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.

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