Category: District News
LHS teacher arrested on charges of sharing child-related pornography
This evening, May 5, Liberty Central School District was informed of the arrest of a Liberty High School teacher on charges of sharing child-related pornography on social media. The district was made aware of the investigation on April 22, and the teacher was placed on immediate paid administrative leave by the district, pending further investigation.
It is not believed any Liberty student is involved. Counselors have been made available for students. The district is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with more information regarding this case is asked to contact state police in Liberty at 845-344-5300.
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We remind our students if they see or experience anything suspicious to report it to a trusted adult or through our Anonymous Alerts portal.”
Liberty PTA, LFA to host Meet the Candidates event
The Liberty Schools PTA and the Liberty Faculty Association will co-host a Meet the Candidates night for the Board of Education candidates at 6 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the Liberty High School Media Center.
The five candidates on the ballot have been invited to attend. The candidates, in the order in which they will appear on the ballot, are Miriam Rivka Singer, incumbents John L. Nichols and Timothy Hamblin, Miriam Heimlich and incumbent Matthew DeWitt. The top three vote-getters will serve three-year terms running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
The board election and budget vote will take place between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the LHS Media Center at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty.
For more information on the budget, visit the Liberty Central School District budget page.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 5-11, 2025
Our student-athletes are in action this week in baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track and field.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, May 5
10 a.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at The Monster at Resort World Catskill.
Tuesday, May 6
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Ellenville at Ellenville High School.
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Tri-Valley Central School.
Wednesday, May 7
4:30 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Onteora at Davis Park
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Result: Liberty 6, James I. O’Neill 10. After two rainouts in a row, the Varsity traveled to James I. O’Neill High School to take on the Raiders. In a very competitive, back and forth game, Liberty ultimately was unable to withstand a final O’Neill rally, losing 10 to 6. The Redhawks’ bats were hot all day and were led by Angie Wheeler’s 2-3 performance. Angie had a double, single, RBI and two runs scored. Maddy Stewart had a single and two runs driven in. Megan Schmidt was robbed of two hits, but still finished with a single and run scored. Brenna Mangan, Ashley Szuba, Addison Bury and Giuliana Wagner also had a hit. The Redhawks defense was sharp as they turned two double plays on the day. Liberty is scheduled to next play Chester at home this Friday if the weather permits.
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Thursday, May 8
3:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Fallsburg at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Fallsburg at Liberty High School
Friday, May 9
All events postponed or canceled because of rain.
Saturday, May 10
No events scheduled.
Sunday, May 11
No events scheduled.
Library to host game days, library card orientation
The Liberty Public Library will host a series of events open to Liberty Central School Students.
A Teen Game Day after school until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Students in middle and high school are invited to the library, at 189 N. Main St., in front of the Liberty Elementary School, to play games such as Uno, spoons, mancala and Monopoly. Snacks will be provided.
On Tuesday, May 20, the library will host “Play with Us!,” a time for games for elementary school students and their adults starting at 2:45 p.m. If the weather is nice there will be a few outdoor games available as well.
The library is also hosting is annual special orientation for first-grade students. Students will be introduced to the library and the resources it has to offer— in person and online. As part of the orientation, students will have the opportunity to receive their own library card. With a library card, students will have access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video,
educational games, and more available through our digital library services.
Registration forms sent home with students should be returned to the student’s teacher by May 23.
The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty, in front of the Elementary School.
For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.
LMS teacher under consideration for NYS Teacher of the Year
A Liberty Middle School teacher is under consideration for the New York State Teacher of the Year award, presented by the state Education Department.
Melissa Murphy, a sixth grade ELA teacher, is one of only seven teachers in the state to make it to the third round, chosen by the Teacher of the Year Council.
“This accomplishment speaks to the powerful investment you and your school community have made in education,” the letter announcing the selection read.
The next step in the process is a site visit by three or four members of the selection committee in May. The site visit will involve a lesson observation as well as interviews with staff, administration and students and a conversation with Ms. Murphy.
If she moves on in the process, she will be interviewed by the selection committee in June, with the Teacher of the Year named near the start of next school year.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 28-May 4, 2025
Our student-athletes are in action this week in baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track and field.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, April 28
11 a.m.: Girls Varsity Golf Divisional at Villa Roma Country Club
3:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity League vs. Multiple Schools at The Monster at Resort World Catskill
3:45 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty High School
Result: Livingston Manor/Roscoe 11, Liberty 9. Livingston Manor/Roscoe used plenty of small ball and excellent base running to go on to defeat the Redhawks 11-9. The Varsity did not give up after the Wildcats jumped to a 10-2 lead, however. The Redhawks staged a furious rally as they scored seven runs in the 5th and 6th innings to try to complete the comeback. Offensively for Liberty, Megan Schmidt led the way with three hits and three runs scored. Brenna Mangan had two hits and three RBI. Aubrey Botsford and Angie Wheeler each scored twice. Angie, Cameryn Will, Addison Bury and Maddy Stewart also had hits for Liberty.
3:45 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools. at Washingtonville High School
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
4:15 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Rock Sports Park.
Tuesday, April 29
2:30 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Wallkill Golf Club
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Tri-Valley at Tarry Brae Golf Course
4:15 p.m.: Boys Modified Baseball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty Middle School.
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Livingston Manor/Roscoe at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Ellenville at Berme Road Field
Result: Ellenville 14, Liberty 6. It was another tough loss for the varsity, as they fell to Ellenville. After Liberty scored twice in the top of 6th to bring the game to within four runs, the Blue Devils broke open the close game in the bottom of the inning by scoring seven runs. The Redhawks didn’t go quietly as the scored 3 in the 7th to put some pressure on Ellenville before losing by the final score of 14 to 6. Megan Schmidt paced the offense once again as she had a triple, single, two runs scored and an RBI. Cameryn Will singled and drove in 3 runners for the Redhawks. Aubrey Botsford and Angie Wheeler also had two hits apiece. Aubrey also had two stolen bases and a run scored while Angie had a stolen base and RBI.
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Chapel Field Christian Schools at Chapel Field Christian School.
Wednesday, April 30
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Fallsburg at Sullivan County Golf and Country Club
3:15 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Ellenville at Shawangunk Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field vs. Beacon City at Beacon High School.
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Fallsburg JV Scrimmage at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School
Result: Liberty 22, Fallsburg 0. Liberty traveled to Fallsburg for an unofficial contest versus the Comets on their Senior night. The Redhawks exploded for 22 runs on 16 hits as they cruised to a 22-0 victory. Giuliana Wagner finished with three hits, two runs scored, and five RBI. Cameryn Will also had three hits with a run scored and three runs driven in. Angie Wheeler had a double, single, two runs scored to go along with two RBI. Maddy Stewart had two hits, 3 runs scored and an RBI while Megan Schmidt also had two hits, two runs scored and an RBI. Nine different Redhawks had hits, and all 12 players scored at least one run. Angie pitched a great game in the circle giving up just two hits and striking out 10.
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy
4:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Chester Academy at Liberty High School
Thursday, May 1
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs Multiple Schools at Tarry Brae Golf Course
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Sullivan West Central at Villa Roma Country Club
4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Monticello at Liberty High School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Monticello at Rutherford Elementary School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Monticello at Monticello High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
Result: Port Jervis 17, Liberty 0. The Redhawks played just their third home game of the year, and their fourth consecutive game in a row, as they welcomed two-time division champion Port Jervis to Liberty. The last two times the Varsity had played the Raiders, they were no-hit. Although they ultimately lost definitively to the champions 17-0, Liberty put together some great at bats and continually put the ball into play. Both Angie Wheeler and Giuliana Wagner finished 2-3 with a double and a single. Aubrey Botsford and Brooke Porter also recorded hits in the loss.
Friday, May 2
3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Monticello at The Monster at Resort World Catskill
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Sullivan West – Lake Huntington
Saturday, May 3
No events scheduled.
Sunday, May 4
No events scheduled.
Retiring LHS science teacher to be honored by MHSSC
In her final year of teaching, a well-loved Liberty teacher will be honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council next month.
Lucinda (Cindy) Nolan, a science teacher at Liberty High School for 31 years, will receive a Teaching Excellence Award from the MHSSC. She has taught a variety of science classes from eighth grade physical science to Regents physics.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It is the frosting on the cake of a fulfilling career as an educator.”
In his nomination letter. LHS Principal Dr. Derek Adams called Ms. Nolan “the epitome of an exceptional educator, demonstrating unwavering professionalism and dedication.”
Her high-quality instruction, engaging learning experiences and meaningful assessments fosters an environment where students thrive, he added
While her work in the classroom has been noteworthy it is her interactions with her students that make her an outstanding teacher.
“A good educator is able to inspire students to learn about the subject that they teach, but more than that to connect with students to help them to become better humans and to make a difference in their lives,” Ms. Nolan said. “Sometimes a difference is made by teaching exciting topics, other times it is by showing love.”
From engaging her students with her how-can-it-not-be-fun Physics of Toys classes, to leading lessons on rollerblading during this year’s Genius Hour, to posing with selfies with graduating seniors in their caps and gowns, Ms. Nolan has a way of connecting with students.
“I don’t think anyone dislikes Ms. Nolan,” freshman Baileigh Steinberg said.
She goes above and beyond helping her students understand their lessons, students said.
Senior Jonathan Stonick said during his freshman year he spent almost every day after school and during a study hall with her to help understand and complete his work.
“She has helped me a lot throughout my four years,” he added. “She’s a really great teacher.”
Fellow senior Nora Liddle agreed.
“I’m really happy to have had her as a science teacher. She’s one of the best female science teachers I have known,” she said. “It’s a joy to be around her.”
It’s not just the students who say that.
“I have witnessed each and every current and former student, staff and community members give and receive the warmest of greetings and interactions usually starting and finishing with a hug,” Dr. Adams said in his nomination letter. “The relationships that Cindy has built through her career are remarkable and is a testament to her dedication to an education for all students”
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Nolan also serves as adviser of National Honor Society and Science Olympiad. She is also a leader and a mentor to her colleagues, serving as a department facilitator and leading weekly professional learning community meetings, and she has spearheaded initiatives to improve instruction and student outcomes.
“Ms. Nolan is a worthy recipient of the MHSSC Teaching Excellence Award,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We will miss her at Liberty and wish her well in her retirement.”
While she may leave Liberty schools at the end of the year, her memories and connection to the district will always remain.
“I have grown so much as a person during my time here. I have received an education in different cultures and their traditions. My co-workers have become lifelong friends and extended family who have been mentors, and ‘partners in crime’ and extended family,” she said. “Not many people can meet so many people and have as much fun in their career as I have. I chose the right career for me!”
Ms. Nolan will be honored at the MHSSC’s annual meeting and awards celebration in the Fieldstone Auditorium in the North Rockland Central School District on May 7. Earlier this school year, Liberty Middle School Aide/Safety Duty staff member Cindy Mercado was honored with the MHSSC Support Staff Award for Excellence in Education.
Lead in water testing results reported at Liberty
State law requires school districts to sample all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes in buildings that may be occupied by students and to submit those samples to a state-approved lab for analysis. Testing must be completed every three years, unless the state Commissioner of Health requires testing sooner.
The state established an action level of 5 micrograms per liter or 5 parts per billion (ppb). If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must take steps to prevent the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes until it is remediated and follow-up testing confirms it is no longer above the action level.
School districts are required to report the results of all water testing to the state Department of Health, the state Education Department and the local health department, and to post the results — along with remediation plans, if required — on the official district website.
Testing took place at the middle and high school on April 8, the elementary school on April 9 and the White Sulphur Springs building on April 10.
- At the high school, a hand washing sink in the Nurse’s Office returned a 10.1 parts per billion level.
- At the middle school, a second-floor pass-through storage hand washing sink returned a 175 parts per billion level.
- At the elementary school, eight sinks were found to be above 5 ppb
- Between 16 & 17 Teacher space hand sink: 20.6 ppb
- Room 30 class sink: 14.7 ppb
- Room 42 class sink: 9.5 ppb
- Room 43 class sink: 25.6 ppb
- Room 45 class sink: 59.1 ppb
- Room 46 class sink: 6.3 ppb
- Room 48 class sink: 67.6 ppb
- Room 53 class sink: 9.1 ppb
- All outlets at the White Sulphur Springs building returned levels below 5 ppb.
Signs have been posted at all impacted sinks that water is not to be consumed from that outlet. Remedial actions will be taken and the outlets will be retested.
More information and links to the full reports are available here.
Liberty BOE OKs $68.5M budget proposal; info sessions planned
On Tuesday, April 22, Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a $68.5 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year that maintains programs while enhancing goals and procedure alignment as well as efficiencies district-wide without increasing the tax levy.
This is the seventh consecutive year there is no proposed tax levy increase.
The vote will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the high school media center.
There will be a series of budget information sessions, to which the public is encouraged to attend:
- May 5: Budget presentation to the Liberty Town Board, 6:30 p.m., the Senior Citizens Center at 119 N. Main St.
- May 6: Budget hearing, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium
- May 8: Budget, Dinner and a Concert, 5:30 p.m., HS Media Center
- May 9: Budget talk, 8:30-11:30 a.m., New Munson Diner, 12 Lake St.
The proposed $68,508,362 budget increases spending 0.70%, or $474,068 and would fund all current student programs and services.
Based on the governor’s budget proposal’s state aid projections, the district expects an overall slight decrease in state aid, with the tax lex levy remaining at $17,760,162, the same as the 2024-25 budget.
Also on the ballot is a nearly $7.5 million capital project proposal that would add air conditioning to the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in educational and support services spaces. There is no expected tax levy impact, as fund balances would be used to offset the costs not covered by state reimbursements. More information is available at the district’s 2025 capital project webpage.
There also will be three board of education seats on the ballot. On the ballot, in the order they will appear, are Miriam Rivka Singer, incumbents John L. Nichols and Timothy Hamblin, Miriam Heimlich and incumbent Matthew DeWitt.
The elected candidates will serve three-year terms running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
For more information on the budget, including voter information, visit the district budget information page on the website.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 21-27, 2025
Our student-athletes are in action this week in baseball, golf, softball and track and field.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday, April 21
No events scheduled.
Tuesday, April 22
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Sullivan West Central at Villa Roma Country Club.
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Central School, TV – Elementary School Field
4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Highland at Liberty High School
Result: Highland 21, Liberty 0
Wednesday, April 23
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School
Thursday, April 24
3:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Sullivan West Central at Villa Roma Country Club
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. multiple schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
Friday, April 25
3 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Monroe Country Club
3:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Villa Roma Country Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: JV Baseball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School.
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Chester Academy at Maple Avenue School (Chester).
Saturday, April 26
9 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Dietz Stadium
Sunday, April 27
No events scheduled.