Category: District News
Liberty Elementary Welcomes New Assistant Principal Aeowyn Brust
Liberty Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Aeowyn Brust as Assistant Principal of Liberty Elementary School. A dedicated educator and leader, Brust brings 16 years of experience within the district and a deep commitment to supporting students, families, and staff.
Throughout her tenure at Liberty, Brust has served as an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher while also taking on several leadership roles, including K-12 ENL Director, K-4 ENL Facilitator, and Co-Advisor of the district’s Wellness Committee. These experiences have allowed her to collaborate closely with colleagues, support diverse student populations, and contribute to district-wide initiatives focused on student success and continuous improvement.
Brust holds New York State School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications and earned her Certificate of Advanced Study in School Leadership from SUNY New Paltz. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University at Buffalo.
“I am excited to continue serving the Liberty community in a new role and to build upon the relationships I have developed with students, families, and staff over the past 16 years,” said Brust. “One of the things I love most about Liberty is its rich diversity. The many cultures, experiences, and perspectives represented here make our district a special place to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections.”
As Assistant Principal, Brust looks forward to supporting the district’s vision by fostering strong relationships built on trust, promoting high-quality instruction, and creating an environment where every student is empowered to succeed and pursue their fullest potential.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Brust enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, connecting with nature, exercising, and learning new things.
“I look forward to welcoming our families back this fall, and I hope you’ll stop and say hello when you see me,” Brust added.
Advocating for Our Schools
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.
Liberty CSD New Athletic Fields Are Ready!
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).
Liberty athletes help lead U16 soccer team to championship
Congratulations to the Girls U16 Liberty United Lady Devils team, made up primarily of students from Liberty, on its 4-3 victory at the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League final against AYSO United Hudson Valley. Scoring and giving Liberty the lead with a hat-trick in the first half of the game was Madelyn Cavello. The opposing team evened the score in the last minute of the game. It was in stoppage time that midfielder Alexandra Galeas Osorio made the winning goal that secured the ladies’ title as champions of the Girls U16 Division. Assisting the goals with precise passes and runs were midfielders Madysen Rielly, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Milenka Tello-Pereyra, Adriana Leon Gavilan, Paola Melendez Deras and Amy Cortes. On defense were defenders Casity DiBartolo, Victoria Henry, Amaiya Williamson, and Sophia Vasko. Diving through and cutting many plays short was goalie Stephanie Gomez Nivelo.
The team is led by Roothland Medina and assisted by Solomen Conner and Carpio Ramos. “ I want to thank the parents and the community for the support as we made our way down victory lane, Mr. Medina said. “The biggest thing we learned throughout the season was that our success did not derive from any one individual. It was forged through the bonds that we made as a team, a family, but most importantly, being there for each other, always United!”
Liberty United Soccer Club is not directly associated with the Liberty Central School District and is an independent community group with the goal to educate and develop youth through the sport of soccer.
Free meals for children available
Liberty Central School District will again offer free summer meals to all children 18 and younger through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.
Meals will be served Monday through Fridays, except July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
Sit-down and bagged breakfasts and lunches will be served at Francis A. Hanofee Park at 136 Sunset Lake Road in Liberty through Aug. 14. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m., with lunch served from 11 a.m. to noon. Meals will be served at Liberty Elementary through Aug. 21, with breakfast offered from 8:15 to 8:40 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
The menus are available on the district website.
For more information, contact Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna at 845-292-6171 or lmmckenna@libertyk12.org.
ESSA Title Grants meeting draws variety of stakeholders
Liberty Central School Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Derek Adams led a meeting on ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Title Grants at 3:15 p.m. June 25, in the high school media center and virtually.
The meeting was a collaborative effort with multiple stakeholders, including community members, private school representatives, faculty and staff and families, to review the district’s Title Grant goals and budgetary allocations.
Dr. Adams explained that the federal ESSA holds schools accountable for how students learn and achieve and aims to provide an equal opportunity for disadvantaged students, including those receiving special education.
Dr. Adams identified the needs in the district, with 70% of the student population economically disadvantaged, 17% English Language Learners, 15% students with disabilities, 9% migrant students and 7% homeless. On the performance and proficiency side, 69% of students in grade 3-8 were not proficient in the 2025 ELA assessments, and 75% in the 2025 math assessments, and the district has a 66% graduation rate. The critical gap, he said, is the ELL and economically disadvantaged students perform significantly worse on all assessments including NYS Regents.
There are four grants under ESSA that impact Liberty:
- Title I: Improving basic programs operated by local education agency
Title I, Part A provides supplemental financial assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to ensure all children have a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, high-quality education.- AIS Teachers: Salaries and employee benefits
- Family Engagement: Salaries and supplies for engagement nights
- Student Support: Food and clothing for homeless students
- Technology: Computer for Abbot House students
The district received $674,162 in 2025-2026
- Title II: Preparing, training and recruiting high-quality teachers, principals and other school leaders
Title II, Part A is designed to advance excellence in teaching and learning and to promote equity in educational opportunity throughout the state.
Funds were allocated toward:
-
- Class Size Reduction: Salaries and benefits at Liberty Elementary School
- Ach Tov Vchesed: Professional Development services
- Development Support: Supplies for Ach Tov V’Chesed PD
The funding received in 2025-2026 was $69,083.
- Title III: Language instruction for English learners and Immigrant students
Title III is designed to enable English Language/Multilingual Learners and Immigrant Students to develop proficiency and access challenging academic standards. In Liberty, 17% of students are classified as ELL
Funds were allocated toward:
- Bilingual Teaching Aid: Salary and Benefits
- ESL Teacher: Percentage of Salary
- Private Schools: Field Trips for Ach Tove V’Chesed
The district received funding of $77,927 in 2025-2026.
- Title IV, Part A: Student support and enrichment grants
Title IV, Part A provides supplemental funding to help provide students with a well-rounded education, improve school conditions, and improve the use of technology.
Funds were allocated toward:
- Social Worker Support: A percentage of the salaries for two Social Workers.
- STEM & Art Materials: Materials for Ach Tov V,Chesed educational programs.
Funding of $52,825.was received by Liberty in 2025-2026
In New York, “title rollover funds” refer to funds that remain unspent from a previous fiscal period and are carried over to the next period for continued use. They are commonly associated with federal education programs under ESSA and ensure that unspent federal funds are used effectively in subsequent periods, supporting ongoing educational initiatives.
In 2025-2026, Liberty used rollover funding to improve academic attainment via Regents preparation, Eduplanet curriculum mapping training and curriculum writing. Funds were also used to enhance new teacher orientation, summer program training for two new Syracuse University Project Advance Courses, as well as summer work stipends for four instrumental music teachers.
For more information, contact Dr. Adams at dadams@libertyk12.org or 845-292-5400, ext. 2052.
LHS Class of 2003 grad opens exhibit at Liberty Museum
Liberty alum Douglas Yaun, Class of 2003 and descendant of the Town of Liberty’s first supervisor, Thomas Crary, has curated the “Liberty’s 250” exhibit that recently opened at the Liberty Museum & Arts Center featuring Douglas’s contributions to History News Magazine, Caribbean Journal and more. Dr. Patrick Sullivan visited the museum to review the exhibit and talk to Mr. Yaun more about the show, which displays events of the Revolutionary War in space and time from the Boston Massacre, to the Farewell Address declaring no kings and the Caribbean front home to Alexander Hamilton.
Besides highlighting perhaps the most important time period in American history, his goal is to showcase the importance of heritage tourism in the area and contribute further with a community campaign to apply the pursuit of Liberty to now.
As part of the exhibit, Mr. Yaun is collecting essays and pictures on the topic “What does Liberty mean to me?” Essays and photos can be sent to lifelibertyme250@gmail.com with the submitter’s name and zip code as the subject. The collected items from this region will be used in a future exhibit and as entries in the Sullivan County Democrat over the next seven years celebrating the 250th year of the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States of America which culminates in the year 2033.
“Mr. Yaun’s efforts to showcase history and the impact on our area are extraordinary and deserve support,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I will be addressing his efforts with our federal representatives when I meet with them next month.”
Donations to his “Pursuit of Liberty” effort may be made at https://givebutter.com/liberty-to-me-9mmlq.
The “Liberty’s 250” exhibit will be on display through September at the museum at 46 S Main St. For more information about the museum, visit https://www.libertymuseumandartscenter.org/
Liberty Class of 2026 makes an impact as 125 Redhawks graduate
On Friday, June 26, 125 Liberty High School students walked across the stage in the high school gym and officially became Redhawk alumni.
In an evening of thanks and remembrances, a theme of impact flowed throughout the speeches.
“At Liberty, you have met people who have made those impacts on you, even if you haven’t realized it,” Salutatorian Lia Guillerme said. “Whether it may be the teacher who you went to after every hard math class to re-explain a lesson, the friends that could always make you laugh when you needed it, or the person you hated suddenly becoming your best friend. These people, and these memories, are what we have to hold onto as we move into the next chapter of our lives.”
Valedictorian Cassandra Porter said she was shy and withdrawn at the start of high school, adding she almost gave up on trying to become valedictorian because of having to give a speech at graduation.
“That changed due to all of you,” she said to her classmates. “When I say all of you, I mean all of you. … The majority of you treated me with such kindness, that it caused me to break out of my state of secludedness, and actually got me involved in dozens of activities in school. You have all helped me become the strong, confident, and passionate person that I am now.”
And it wasn’t just the students who were impacted by their classmates and adults in their lives. The students have had a lasting impact on the faculty and staff, Principal Stephen Matuszak said.
“Over the years, I have watched you mature into thoughtful young adults, but I have grown alongside you as well,” he told the graduates. “You helped me see situations through different lenses. You pushed me to reflect on my decisions and continually strive to improve. Because of you, I leave each day with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, serve, and support a school community,”
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan praised the Class of 2026 for believing in caring about Liberty and showing an impact by asking questions and letting their thoughts be known..
“The most powerful act one can do is advocate for yourself and others with your voice, and your voice was heard,” he said.
Class President Shawn Bickham encouraged his fellow students to continue to make an impact on others.
“You all have a gift to change the world,” he said, “so be that change that the world needs.”
Watch the livestreams of the graduation ceremony: Graduation overhead view or the Graduation floor level view.
Construction work causes changes at Middle/High school campus
As the summer begins, construction work is in full swing at the middle/high school campus.
Abatement work is beginning on the High School June 29 and is expected to last at least through July. The 300 wing, the high school gymnasium, library media center classroom and high school office will also not be accessible during the process. The high school office and high school guidance office will be located in the middle school as the abatement is completed, with clerical staff at the greeters desk and guidance staff in the library.
During the abatement, the parking lot in front of the high school and near the basketball courts will be reserved for construction vehicles. The middle school parking lot and lot between the high school and district office are to be used by the community.
Construction work is also continuing on the maintenance building. The walkway behind the district office from Winthrop Avenue to the high school is closed until further notice.
Also, the athletic field and track area is still not accessible to the public. The area will be closed as construction continues. The soccer, baseball and softball fields remain open.
Additionally, during the week of July 6, the tennis courts behind the high school will be closed for repairs.
Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.
LMS celebrates eighth-graders moving on to high school
Nearly 90 Liberty eighth graders celebrated the end of their Middle School era with the annual Moving Up Ceremony on Tuesday, June 23, in the David E. Panebaker Auditorium.
Following the pledge of allegiance led by Montgomery Allen and Amy Cortez Cruz, the national anthem and alma mater were sung by the eighth grade choir members.
Principal Heather Cheh welcomed students as well as guests High School Principal Mr. Stephen Matuszak and LHS Class of 2026 salutatorian Lia Guillerme, who each spoke as well.
The following awards were then presented:
Subject Awards
- Art Awards: Aaliyah Walker, Amy Cortes Cruz, Ana Sosa, Analina Garcia, Angelick Rivera, Antoni Klys, Ava McNett, Claire Ferguson, Corinne Lake, Edwin Moreno Reyes, Eric Vargas Martin, Erick Torres Garcia, Erika Panama, Ethan Zheng, Harper Matuszak, Ixchel Marin Gonzalez, Jessica Loftus, Keily Dominguez-Chabla, Luis Brizuela Moreno, Luna Pixie Hulse, Makayla Fuentes Serapio, Meily Valencia Bamac, Namarpreet Singh, Pricilla Matute, Valeria Ponce Vasquez and Mya Davis.
- Music Awards: The Director’s award is given to an outstanding eighth grader in Orchestra, Chorus, and Band who exemplify the following criteria: 90 or above average; demonstrates outstanding musical ability, show qualities of leadership, are committed and dedicated to their instrument or voice and the music program, encourage and help others in the ensembles with a positive and genuine integrity and participated in the ensemble since fifth grade.
- Director’s Award for Orchestra: Angelick Rivera
- Director’s Award for Chorus: Claire Ferguson
- Director’s Award for Band: Claire Ferguson
- Physical Education Awards: Claire Ferguson, Montgomery Allen, Lilly Kehrley, Amy Cortes Cruz, Erick Torres Garcia, Brycen Smith, Chase Golzak and Edwin Moreno.
Memorial Awards
- The Michelle Behrman Award: Lilly Kehrley
- The Lori Bauman Award: Greyson Torres
- The Lorraine Carrington Award: Chase Golzak
- The Syd Benton Award: Harper Matuszak
- The Barbara Sims Award: Luna Pixie Hulse
- The Glenna Stieglitz Award: Erick Torres Garcia
- The Joan Greck Award: Amy Cortes Cruz
- The Herb Conrad Award: Adner Mejia Aguilar
- The Barbara Sochinski Award: Meily Valencia Bamac
- The Renee Friedman Award: Angel Terraza Raymundo
- The Fogelski Award: Faith Boyles
State Awards
- Triple C Award: Corinne Lake and Aiden Satz
- NYS Comptroller Achievement Award: Antoni Klys and Clarie Ferguson
- OAG Civic Ambassador Award: Antoni Klys
ENL Awards
- The Glenna Stieglitz Award: Erick Torres Garcia
- The Joan Greck Award: Amy Cortes Cruz
- The Herb Conrad Award: Adner Mejia Aguilar
After the awards were presented it was time for the students to receive their certificates for completing middle school, presented by Mr. Cort Wheeler, Ms. Cheh, Assistant Principal Mrs. Katlyn Rusin and Assistant Principal Dr. Jodie MacKrell. Students also wore cords indicating if they were members of the National Junior Honor Society or FFA, became ELL Commanding or earned the FFA Discovery Degree.
The event concluded with a video highlighting the class’s time in middle school and closing remarks by Mrs. Rusin.