Category: Elementary News
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/
LES briefly placed in lock out
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.
A message from the principal
Dear LES families,
I would like to inform you that a police-related situation occurred suddenly this afternoon behind the police station.
Although this transpired off school grounds and concluded quickly, we want to reassure you that there was no immediate concern for our students or the school.
Sincerely,
Robert England
Principal
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!”
Administration reviews proposed budget at public hearing
Liberty Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan and Assistant Superintendent for Business Laurene McKenna presented information on the proposed 2026-27 school budget during the annual budget hearing on May 5 in the Liberty High School Auditorium.
A recording of the hearing is available.
The proposed $72,032,104 budget increases spending 5.14%, or $3,523,742, and would fund all current student programs and services while accounting for increases in costs such as health care, transportation and contractual obligations.
Based on the governor’s budget proposal’s state aid projections, the district expects an overall increase in state aid of about $1.1 million, with no increase in the tax levy, which would remain at $17,760,162.
There will be two more opportunities for the public to learn more about the proposed budget:
- 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the High School Media Center before the High School Honors Concert
- 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, May 15, at the New Munson Diner at 12 Lake St.
The budget vote and school board election will take place between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, in the High School Media Center.
For more information about the budget, the school board election or voting, visit the district’s budget page.
Liberty superintendent elected to AASA Governing Board
Liberty CSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan was elected in April to the governing board of the AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
He will serve a three-year term, July 2026 through June 2029. He will represent New York in Region 7, which includes the Northeast United States.
The 135 members of the Governing Board meet twice per year to set policy for the AASA, the premier association for school system leaders serving as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.
“Representing our Mid-Hudson region at the national level matters to me,” Dr. Sullivan said. “I want to advocate for our districts, amplify our voices in national discussions, and help Liberty make a meaningful impact beyond our region and state.”
LES celebrates School Lunch Heroes Day
To celebrate School Lunch Heroes Day last week, the Liberty Elementary Art Club and students in art classes created aprons to gift kitchen crew, as well as monitors, aides and assistants who work in the cafeteria.
The aprons, along with coloring pages thanking the School Lunch Heroes, were hung in the cafeteria by members of the Student Lighthouse Team and some members of the Boys and Girls Club to show LES’ appreciation.
Funding for this project was made possible in part by an Empowering a Healthier Generation Grant from Sullivan 180.
A message from the superintendent on ongoing construction
Dear Liberty families,
As you are aware, construction is underway at our middle and high school campus, with the construction of the new maintenance building off Winthrop Avenue near the softball field, as well as work continuing on the new athletic field..
Please remember that those areas are closed to the public while work is being completed. The Winthrop parking lot is closed, as is the lower part of the walkway between Winthrop and the high school behind the district office. Students and spectators should not enter that area. Also, the campus is surrounded by private property that should not be crossed to access our fields. Access to the softball field should be done via the parking lot between the high school and district office.
If spectators need accommodations, they should contact Athletic Director Thomas Zehner at tzehner@libertyk12.org or call 845-292-5400, ext. 2012.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Toy gun confiscated at dismissal at MS/HS
At dismissal today, April 23, a student at the middle school was seen using a neon green cap gun. The toy was immediately taken away from the student. At no time was there any danger to staff or students. The situation is being dealt with according to the Liberty CSD Code of Conduct.
The district reminds families that, per the Code of Conduct, weapons, or items that appear to be a weapon, are not to be brought onto school property.
