While not much physical progress has been seen over the last few weeks on Liberty Central School District’s capital projects, there has been movement behind the scenes.

The initial capital project was approved by voters in January 2024, with additional HVAC upgrades approved in the 2025 project to address state-mandated temperature limits in classroom spaces.

Phase 1

The largest was the approval of contracts for the construction of the maintenance building on Winthrop Avenue near the softball and soccer fields.

At a meeting last month, the Board of Education approved contracts as follows:

• General Construction: Standback General Contractors LLC
• Mechanical Construction: C.R.Wolfe Heating Corp.
• Plumbing Construction to S&O Construction Services Inc,
• Electrical Construction to Hewitt Young Electrical LLC,
• Site Construction to NGS Construction
• Construction is expected to begin this spring.

In other aspects of Phase 1:

The turf field, lights, goal posts and goals have been installed on the athletic fields, as has the foundations for the bleachers and pressbox. The bleacher and pressbox installation is expected to take place early spring, with the installation of the track and track and field components this spring. The field is expected to be completed in time for graduation.
The bid for door replacement in the middle and high schools was also finalized last month, with the replacements expected to be completed in the spring.

Phase 2

The second phase of the capital project, which includes work at the high school and middle school, has been submitted to the state Education Department for approval, with work expected to begin in the early  summer

The work at the high school includes renovations in the 300 wing and cafeteria, creation of the Innovation Lab, a generator replacement, stair removal, and upgrades to the HVAC controls, carbon monoxide alarm system and code-mandated items.

The work at the middle school includes site drainage improvements, replacement of the electrical main distribution panel and some internal doors, upgrades to the HVAC controls and carbon monoxide alarm system and a new emergency generator.

Phase 3

The final phase of the project includes work at the elementary school and the district office. The project is in the design phase with work expected to take place in 2026 and 2027.

The work at the district office includes carbon monoxide alarm system upgrades and a new emergency generator.

The work at the elementary school includes roofing repairs and upgrades, asbestos flooring abatement and replacement, wood flooring replacement, new complaint railing on the interior bleachers in the gym, and carbon monoxide alarm system and gym ventilation upgrades. HVAC work includes unit ventilator upgrades in the classrooms, boiler conversion to accommodate the additional air conditioning and HVAC control upgrades.

LAN Associates, the project architect, has completed all major architectural and mechanical site survey work, with additional visits to the school needed as the design is developed and finalized. The HVAC load calculations were finalized earlier this year, and the preparation of demolition drawing is ongoing. The options for providing ventilation air in the gymnasium are being reviewed and coordinated. LAN has also been in communication with Day Automation, which provides energy services to the district, in regard to the boiler replacement in the original building or expansion of the existing boiler plant.

“We thank LAN and our construction manager Schoolhouse Construction Services for their work on these projects,” LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “These projects will provide our students with the best environment to help our students contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential.”

As Liberty Central School District proceeds into the fourth year of its strategic plan, the district is seeing progress toward our goals.

The district launched its five year-strategic plan in the fall of 2022 to enhance the educational opportunities it offers by coherently aligning its purpose, especially after COVID disrupted traditional learning methods.

The district reported, as evidence of its progress, a 6 percentage point increase in reading scores in state testing for Grades 3-8 over the previous year.

District officials attribute this to implementation and adherence to their intents in each of the four pillars of the strategic plan:

Curriculum: Our reading/English language arts curriculum is Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH)’s Into Reading/Into Literature, ensuring that the same material is used across grade levels and builds upon previous levels.
MTSS: Our multi-tier systems of support have been implemented to help identify students who may be struggling, academically, behaviorally or emotionally, and have plans and procedures in place to provide an environment where they can thrive.
Coherence: Beyond refining our MTSS analysis and practices, we have strengthened collaborative and professional development opportunities for our staff.
Culture: We recognize that everything we do is based on our mission to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential and our vision of cultivating trust and courage to be innovative and to persevere.
The entire five-year strategic plan, stories highlighting the plan in action, updates and related plans can be found on the strategic plan page on the district’s website.

“I am so proud of the progress we have seen so far, but recognize that we still have more to do,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said, noting the continued implementation of the HMH Into Math as well as the Algebra for All program with a goal of improving math testing scores.

“I am positive our faculty, staff, students and families will continue to work together to help our Redhawks soar.”

Full state test results can be found on the New York State Education Department data website.

The All Things Liberty Winterfest is coming soon.

The annual Liberty Central School District event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24,  in Liberty Middle School and High School Gymnasiums. Snow date is Saturday, Jan. 31.

All are welcome for games, crafts, prizes, hot cocoa, music and a variety of community vendors. It is free to enter and play games. There will be some local vendors selling items for all who are interested. Those interested in becoming a vendor should email Community Schools Coordinator Katlyn Rusin at krusin@libertyk12.org.

Earlier today, Nov. 14, the district was made aware of a notebook containing concerning material that was discovered in the middle school.

The notebook included inappropriate drawings and threats against members of the Liberty school community. The owner of the notebook was identified, and it was determined that the student was not in school today.

Liberty administration and Liberty Police Department immediately began an investigation. It was determined that the threats were noncredible and that at no time was anyone in danger.

The district is addressing this matter in accordance with the LCSD Code of Conduct.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “We take every report of a potential threat seriously and will investigate fully.”

Dr. Sullivan  also emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging everyone to speak up if they see something concerning. Students should report any issues to a trusted adult immediately. Reports also can be made via Liberty’s Anonymous Alerts platform

For the past several weeks, the District and the Liberty PD have been planning a drill that helps us evaluate our safety practices and protocols. Earlier today, Nov. 13,  an individual (who is a police officer from another county) attempted to enter our buildings to help us identify any safety measures we need to address and/or enhance.

We will review the findings and will address and communicate any changes needed.

Please know that this type of drill is used throughout our neighboring counties, and our School Resources Officers were monitoring the drill the whole time.

We’ve already had our first weather delay of the 2025-26 school year. Now, we are taking this opportunity to remind parents, guardians and the community how they will receive notice if school will be operating under a delay, will be dismissed early or will be closed due to inclement weather.

The district will contact parents and guardians directly by phone, email and text if there are any changes in the daily school schedule. Those who wish to verify their contact information is correct should reach out to the main office of their child’s school, as well as sign up for ParentSquare and download the app. Closing, delay and early dismissal information will also be posted on the district website and shared with local media outlets. Calls may also be made to the district at 845-292-5400. Any schedule changes will follow the initial greeting.

When there is early dismissal, all after-school activities are canceled.

The district has scheduled eight snow days. If more than eight emergency closure days are used, any additional days needed will be virtual learning days. Please refer to our Districtwide Safety Plan regarding remote learning.