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

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. 

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.