Leadership Week equipped our administrative team and staff with the tools and insights needed to welcome students back for the 2026–2027 school year. Dedicated to intensive professional development and strategic planning, from July 20 through July 23, 2026, team members engaged in workshops covering cybersecurity, conflict resolution, and district-wide growth.

Daily Schedule Overview

• Monday, July 20: Focused on reviewing district priorities, enhancing emergency readiness, and reviewing administrative compliance.
• Tuesday, July 21: Emphasized leadership, student discipline procedures, safety response scenarios, instructional oversight, and building our capacity to collaborate more effectively through Conflict to Collaboration. 
• Wednesday, July 22: Brought leadership and student support teams together to construct concrete action plans for each school building and Student Services, as well as review the updated District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP). Link
• Thursday, July 23: Concluded with a morning deep dive into data-driven Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), followed by executive leadership practices in the afternoon. 

Acknowledgments

We extend our sincere gratitude to the teachers who are part of our collaborative learning session, including their work with Student Services plans. In addition, we would like to thank our visiting subject matter experts who facilitated sessions throughout the week: Eric Sheninger, Antoinette King, Chris Blackwell from Altaris, Dr. R. Feirsen, Dr. S. Weitzman, and Susan Zieres.

Lastly, we thank the Board of Education and administration for prioritizing professional growth.

As summer progress continues across Liberty Central School District, the commitment to supporting our students, staff, and community never stops. Recently, Superintendent Dr. Sullivan joined education leaders from across the country at the AASA/ASBO Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. During the conference, school leaders met with members of Congress to advocate for critical federal funding and share the unique needs, priorities, and successes of their local school districts.

Supporting Students Through IDEA Funding

A primary topic discussed at the conference was the importance of fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive a free public education and the specialized services and support they need to succeed, helping provide more equitable educational opportunities for all learners.

As districts continue to experience rising costs associated with special education services and staffing challenges, federal support remains an important resource in meeting the needs of students.

Fulfilling this commitment through a 10-year implementation plan would help bridge opportunity gaps by providing schools with the resources necessary to ensure students with disabilities have access to the support they need to thrive.

Additionally, education leaders advocated for continued investment in federal programs, including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, and other grants that support student achievement, educator development, and expanded educational opportunities.

Keeping Student Internet Access Accessible and Safe

Liberty students and staff rely on reliable internet access every day to support teaching and learning, school operations, cybersecurity, communication, and transportation services. A key resource that helps maintain this connectivity is the federal E-Rate program, which provides funding to schools and libraries for affordable internet access.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently considering potential changes to E-Rate that could impact how school districts access this important support. Proposed changes include limiting eligibility for certain districts or expanding the program’s requirements beyond its original purpose of providing reliable connectivity.

It is critical that we help our elected officials understand exactly how their decisions shape our schools, staff, and students,” said Dr. Sullivan. “Serving as an AASA Governing Board member gives me a vital platform to advocate for our entire region. I am incredibly proud to champion our students and advance our mission of empowering every learner to thrive, contribute to a diverse community, and reach their full potential.”

The Road Ahead

Decisions made in Washington, D.C., can have a direct impact on classrooms here in Liberty. By participating in national legislative advocacy, Superintendent Dr. Sullivan helps ensure that the voices of Liberty students, families, and educators are represented in important conversations about the future of public education.

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).