Category: District News
Donations can help Liberty Snack Pack program
The Liberty Community Snack Pack Program helps provide nonperishable weekend meals for students at Liberty Central School District.
To donate to the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, which partners with the Snack Pack Program and Liberty Community School Care Closet, headquartered at the Middle School at 145 Buckley St., visit https://give.regionalfoodbank.net/libertysnackpack, or visit our Amazon Snack Pack Wishlist at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SKHOPVIMIX8O. Items in the cart can be purchased and will be shipped directly to Liberty Middle School.
For more information, email School Coordinator Katlyn Rusin at krusin@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400.
Walnut Mountain House Trail to have grand opening
The grand opening of the Walnut Mountain House History Trail will take place starting with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at 73 Walnut Mountain Road in Liberty.
There will be two guided hikes, a slower pace and a faster pace, along the trail following the ribbon cutting.
The trail is a mile-long, self-guided walking trail blending local history, nature and education. The trail follows the old carriage road that once brought visitors to the Walnut Mountain House at the summit, where the hotel’s old foundation can still be seen.
The public is invited to the event to learn about the train and its past through interpretive panels along the way.
Learn more about the Walnut Mountain House project online. To register for the grand opening, call Lisa at 845-693-4181, email Lisa@morgan-outdoors.com by June 5.
Community School Farmstand to be open May 22 at LMS
Liberty Middle School will host its inaugural Community School Farmstand, a special event dedicated to supporting Liberty Central families. Through a partnership with the Snack Pack Program, The Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, and Sullivan 180, free fresh food and resources will be available to LCSD families in need.
The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 22, on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will be free groceries for any Liberty K-12 family, an on-site SNAP advocate to help families t0 sign up for benefits, and guides to local food pantries and community resources.
For more information, email Community School Coordinator Katlyn Rusin at krusin@libertyk12.org.
LHS National Honor Society inducts 11
The Liberty High School Chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed 11 new members during an induction ceremony Thursday, May 7, held in the high school auditorium.
Character, scholarship, leadership and service, which are the four pillars of the NHS, are highlighted at each ceremony. Following a welcome and message by adviser, Ms. Susana Alvarado, the pledge led by NHS Historian Carmela Burgio, remarks by LHS Principal Stephen Matuszak, and an address by business education teacher Mr. Daniel Hart, who is also a Rotary member, the focus turned to what those pillars mean.
NHS President Cassandra Porter offered an overview of the pillars, with Vice President Genna DeFrank speaking on character. Treasurer Eli Desrochers next spoke on scholarship, and secretary Kaley Klein addressed leadership. Carmela finished the presentation, talking about the importance of service. A candle was lit after each speaker to symbolize the light of knowledge, truth and commitment to the pillars as well as passing along those ideals to the new members.
New members Colten Jay Allen, Emily Cardenas Reyes, Keven Cordero Lima, Sophia Duarte, Belle Gandulla, Hunter Kavleski, Bartlomiej Klys, Shae-Leigh Kristiansen, Justin Lima Cedeno, Evelyn Molina and Adriana Ponce Agredano were then presented and officially welcomed into the organization, solidified by the recitation of the National Honor Society Pledge, led by Mr. Matuszak.
They joined the three dozen current members, as well as guests, for a reception in the high school cafeteria following the ceremony.
BOE plans meetings on May 19, day of budget vote and elections
The Annual Budget Vote and Election will be on Tuesday, May 19, with voting in the High School Media Center from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information regarding the budget vote and election can be found at the Liberty CSD website.
There will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Education at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, in the District Office at 115 Buckley St. in Liberty NY. The board anticipates to enter into executive session immediately and to adjourn at the conclusion of the executive session. This meeting is not open to the public and there will be no regular business.
The Board of Education will convene an additional Special Meeting after 8 p.m. in the HS Media Center at the conclusion of ballot counting in the High School Media Center to accept the results of the ballot. There will be no other business. This meeting and vote counting and tabulation is open to the public.
The agendas will be available on Monday, May 18, at BoardDocs.
The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26.
Message to families regarding legal notice students received concerning PowerSchool/Naviance class action legal settlement
Dear Families:
We are writing to provide additional context after some members of our school community received an e-mail from Kroll Settlement Administration concerning a federal class action lawsuit and proposed class action legal settlement involving the Naviance platform.
Naviance is an online platform that schools throughout the country use for college and career planning. Naviance is owned by PowerSchool.
The District used the Naviance platform for multiple years through the 2023-2024 school year. The District now uses SchooLinks as its online platform for college and career planning (https://www.schoolinks.com/).
What is the lawsuit/legal settlement about?
There was a class action lawsuit filed against PowerSchool alleging that PowerSchool violated students’ privacy rights while students were using the Naviance Platform between August 2021 and January 2026. PowerSchool firmly denies the allegations in the lawsuit and that it violated the law in any way. PowerSchool has agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid the expense and uncertainty of ongoing litigation.
Was there a breach or unauthorized disclosure of student data?
There has been no confirmed breach or unauthorized disclosure of student data. PowerSchool firmly denies that it violated the law in any way.
Why am I being contacted?
Students who logged into the Naviance platform at least once between August 18, 2021, and January 23, 2026 are being contacted by e-mail to inform them that they may be eligible to join the proposed class action legal settlement. The e-mail was sent as part of a legally required notification process. The purpose of the e-mail is to ensure that students and families have the opportunity to review the settlement agreement and their legal rights and options.
Is the District involved in the lawsuit?
No. The District is not a party to the lawsuit and has no involvement in the legal proceedings or the proposed class action legal settlement. The District has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
What should families do?
If you or your child received an e-mail notice, you should review the notice carefully, as it outlines potential eligibility, deadlines, and options available to you and your child. The District cannot provide legal advice or recommend whether students are eligible to or should participate in the settlement. This is a personal decision for each family.
To learn more about the lawsuit and your legal rights, families should visit the official settlement website: https://powerschoolnaviancesettlement.com
Families may also contact the Settlement Administrator:
- Call: (833) 447-8852
- Webmail: Kroll “Contact Us” from
- Mail: Q.J. v. PowerSchool Holdings LLC, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, PO Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391
The District is committed to protecting student data privacy and security and complies with all applicable law concerning student data privacy and security, including, but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and New York State Education Law § 2-d. For more information concerning the District’s commitment to the protection of student data privacy and security and the Board of Education’s Information and Data Privacy, Security Breach and Notification Policy (BOE Policy No. 8635), please visit: https://www.libertyk12.org/about-us/annual-notifications/parents-bill-of-rights-for-data-privacy-and-security/
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 11-17, 2026
Spring sports is in action with baseball, golf, softball, tennis and track.
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 11
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Track and Field Thrower’s Pentahlon vs. Multiple Schools at 12th Rock
3:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Monticello at The Monster at Resort World Catskill
4:15 p.m.: Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School
Result: Liberty 0, Port Jervis 20
The Port Jervis Raiders lived up to their reputation as an OCIAA Class A powerhouse on Monday, delivering a dominant 20-0 performance against the visiting Liberty Varsity Redhawks. While the Raiders’ offensive explosion stole the headlines, the contest served as a developmental milestone for an inexperienced Liberty squad finding its footing against elite competition.
Port Jervis starter Izzy Maida was the story of the afternoon from the rubber. Maida silenced the Liberty bats, racking up 11 strikeouts over just five innings of work. Her precision and velocity kept the Redhawks off-balance throughout, anchoring a defensive effort that allowed the Raiders to end the game early via the mercy rule.
The Raiders’ offense was equally relentless. Every starter in the lineup reached base at least once, showcasing a deep and disciplined roster that pressured the Redhawks from the first pitch. In a total team effort, 10 different batters crossed the plate, turning the game into a clinic of aggressive base running and timely hitting.
Despite the lopsided score, the Redhawks showed significant heart as they continue a season defined by versatility and “learning on the go.” The team continues to come together even with three players currently holding down and learning new positions on the fly.
On the mound for Liberty, Giuliana Wagner showed immense grit by recording her first-ever varsity complete game. Though the outing was shortened by the run rule, her willingness to battle against one of the league’s most potent lineups provided a valuable learning experience for her.
The Redhawk defense also provided several bright spots that kept the dugout energized. Shortstop Maddy Stewart anchored the infield with a sharp catch of a liner where she doubled off a runner from second, and Daniela Ponce Flores tracking down a very deep fly ball to make a great catch and save extra bases.
The Redhawks will not have much time to dwell on the loss as the schedule remains grueling. Liberty will look to keep their heads held high as they return home to face another formidable opponent, the Sullivan West Bulldogs, tomorrow at 4:30 p.m..
4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High Shcool.
Tuesday, May 12
10 a.m.: Boys Varsity Golf Championship vs. Multiple Schools at Powelton Club Clubhouse
3:30 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Elementary School
3:30 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty Elementary School
4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Middletown at Sullivan County Golf and Country Club
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Sullivan West Central at Liberty High School
Result: Forreit
Wednesday, May 13
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Liberty High School
Thursday, May 14
4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Burke Catholic High School
Friday, May 15
1 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field Championship vs. Multiple Schools at Warwick Valley High School.
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Sullivan West Central at Lions Field- Jeffersonville
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Beacon City at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. James I. O’Neill at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 16, James I. O’Neill 28
The afternoon began with tears and tributes, but it ended in a whirlwind of offense as the Liberty Varsity Softball team dropped a high-scoring 28-16 decision to the visiting O’Neill Raiders.
Before the opening pitch, the afternoon belonged exclusively to Liberty’s senior class. In a touching pre-game ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and floral bouquets, heartfelt speeches echoed across the diamond. Seniors Aimee Sherwood, Brooke Porter, Arianna Wilson, and Angie Wheeler were celebrated not just for their athletic contributions, but for their profound impact off the field as exemplary role models for the program’s younger players.
Once the game commenced, however, the O’Neill Raiders showed no signs of road weariness after their long bus ride. Coming out with their bats ablaze, the Raiders capitalized on a Redhawk defensive miscue to jump out to a commanding 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Liberty quickly answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame, but the Raiders immediately turned on the jets. O’Neill exploded for ten runs in the second inning and added another six in the top of the third, claiming a resounding 21-3 advantage.
The Raiders’ unrelenting 21-hit offensive barrage was spearheaded by the tandem of Kyrei Cadet and Belle DeSpirito. The duo put on an absolute clinic, finishing a combined 9-for-10 at the plate with a double, a triple, five runs scored, and nine runs driven in.
Facing such a massive deficit, a lesser team might have folded, especially a Liberty squad currently battling injuries, shuffling players into unfamiliar positions, and starting three players who began the season on the bench. Instead, the gritty Redhawks fought back. Displaying excellent plate discipline, sharp base running, and timely hitting, Liberty chipped away at the lead by drawing walks and manufacturing a stunning 13-run counter-attack.
Guiliana Wagner was the undisputed catalyst for the Redhawk offense. Wagner turned in a stellar performance, finishing the day with four hits, including a double, three runs scored, and five runs driven in.
Liberty’s top of the lineup provided a major spark to keep the rally alive. Both Maddy Stewart and Angie Wheeler finished the day with three runs scored and two stolen bases apiece. Amy Szuba turned in a solid performance, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and two runs driven in, while Arianna Wilson also crossed the plate once and drove in two runs of her own. In a total team effort, ten different Liberty players scored at least one run during the contest.
Ultimately, the early deficit proved too large to overcome, and the final score marked Liberty’s fifth straight defeat. Yet, despite the sting of the loss, the day left a remarkably positive imprint on the program. The enduring celebration of the seniors, coupled with the never-say-die attitude displayed by the varsity lineup, ensured it was a good day indeed for Liberty softball.
Saturday, May 16
9:30 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Warwick Valley High School
11 a.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Cornwall Central at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 1, Cornwall 24
The formidable Cornwall Dragons, a Class AA powerhouse, brought their high-powered offense to town this afternoon, handing the Liberty Varsity Softball team a tough 24-1 defeat.
If there was any doubt regarding the outcome of the contest, Cornwall erased it immediately. The Dragons’ bats came alive in the opening frames, exploding for 17 runs across the first two innings to secure a commanding, insurmountable lead early on.
Cornwall’s relentless offensive attack produced 23 hits on the day, orchestrated by a balanced lineup where all ten starters finished with at least one hit and one run scored. Eight different hitters recorded at least one run driven in, but it was Alana Hayes who stole the spotlight for the Dragons. Hayes was spectacular at the plate, blasting a home run and a triple, crossing the plate three times, and driving in six runs.
Despite facing the heavily favored Class AA program, the Redhawks refused to let the formidable deficit completely quiet their bats. Giuliana Wagner continued to be a bright spot for the Liberty offense, finishing the day 1-for-2 and scoring the team’s lone run. Arianna Wilson also put together a strong performance at the plate, reaching base twice by drawing a disciplined walk and crushing a booming double to right center field.
The road ahead does not get any easier for the varsity squad. Liberty will look to bounce back quickly as they prepare to face another tough foe, traveling to Chester on Monday for their final road game of the season.
11 a.m.: JV Softball vs. Cornwall Central at Liberty Elementary School
Result: Liberty 4, Cornall 14
The final score line might read 14-4 in favor of Class AA powerhouse Cornwall, but anyone at the field yesterday afternoon knows it doesn’t tell the whole story. Hosting the Dragons at Liberty Elementary School, the Redhawks JV softball team went toe-to-toe with the larger school opponent, trailing just 8-4 heading into the final frame before a late offensive explosion allowed the visitors to pull away.
In a stunning display of offensive grit, the Redhawks actually outhit Cornwall 11-10 on the day. However, timely hitting and a late-game surge ultimately secured the victory for the Dragons.
Cornwall jumped out to an early advantage, utilizing their deep lineup to score three runs in both the second and third innings. Liberty’s defense clamped down over the next two frames to keep the game within reach, but the Dragons struck again in the top of the sixth, plating two more runs to extend their lead to a commanding 8-1.
With only one inning left, many teams would have given up. The Redhawks did the exact opposite. Refusing to go down without a fight, the Liberty offense awoke in the bottom of the seventh. A string of disciplined at-bats and hard-hit balls quickly cut into the deficit, pushing three runs across the plate and narrowing the score to a manageable 8-4.
The spark plug for the Redhawks’ offense was Emma Tacti, who put on a clinic at the plate. Tacti finished the afternoon going 3-for-4, highlighted by a booming triple to left field, and scored twice on the day. Montgomery Allen also had a stellar performance, finishing 2-for-4 with a clutch double and an RBI, while Alex Kelly delivered under pressure by going 1-for-3 and driving in two runs.
The comeback bid, however, was cut short. In the final half-inning, the Dragons reasserted their Class AA pedigree, capitalizing on late opportunities to score six runs, ultimately pulling away to seal the 14-4 win.
Despite the loss, the JV Redhawks can hold their heads high. Standing toe-for-toe with a premier Class AA program is no small feat. In fact, Liberty’s gritty performance and relentless hustle didn’t just impress the local fans at the elementary school—it caught the attention of the opposition. Following the final handshake, the Cornwall coaching staff offered high praise and compliments to the Redhawks for their talent and competitive spirit. Liberty will look to carry this offensive momentum and fighting attitude into their next matchup.
Sunday, May 17
No events scheduled
Senior recognition events set for spring sports
Liberty’s senior student athletes for the spring will be honored in the coming weeks.
Senior recognition events will be held on the Liberty campus at the following contests:
- May 11: 4:30 p.m. Boys tennis vs. Burke Catholic
- May 11: 4:15 p.m., Baseball vs Sullivan West
- May 15: 4:30 p.m. Softball vs. James I. O’Neil
The Sullivan County Golf Course will host a get-together for the Redhawk golfers on May 14, at a time to be determined.
Senior track and field athletes will be recognized during the meet at Sullivan West’s Jefferson campus, which starts at 4 p.m. May 18.
The public is invited to cheer on the teams—and wish the seniors best of luck in the future.
Sullivan County seeks input on Hazard Mitigation Plan
Sullivan County and its jurisdictions have been hard at work this past year to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The plan is now ready for public review, and residents and stakeholders are asked to review the draft plan and provide feedback.
Visit the Sullivan County page on MitigateNY to review the plan. The Public Review Period is open until June 6. Comments can be made on this form.
LES yearbook covers to feature students’ artwork
Two Liberty Elementary students’ artwork will be featured on the front and back cover of the Liberty Elementary School Yearbook.
“Our judging panel had a difficult time choosing from so many unique and wonderful entries, but we are thrilled to announce this year’s creative superstars,” Yearbook Advisor Lisa Treible said.
Annabelle Adrade’s work will be on the front cover. Annabelle’s “collaborative artwork perfectly captures our ‘Liberty Pride’,” Mrs. Treible said.
Olivia Miranda’s “beautiful” design will be on the back cover.
Both winners will receive a free copy of the yearbook as a prize for their hard work and creativity.
Yearbooks are scheduled to be distributed this June at LES.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and showed off their incredible artistic talent,” Mrs. Treible said. “You’ve helped make this year’s yearbook truly special!”
