• Registration: There are open slots available for the 2026-27 pre-kindergarten class, and a lottery will not take place. Remaining seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Kindergarten registration is also now open. Find more information about registration for the programs here.
  • Construction update: Construction work has begun 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 no longer accessible to the public.  The area will be closed as construction continues. The soccer, baseball and softball fields remain open.

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.”

Library to host building, painting programs for students

The Liberty Public Library is offering programs for students later this month.

On Tuesday, May 19, the library will host “Build With Us!’ from early dismissal at noon to 1:30 p.m. for elementary students. A parent or guardian must accompany the students to build using Lego and Magnetics.

Students in middle and high school are invited to paint a cactus garden between 3:15 and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. Students will make a cactus garden using river rocks that they can take home. Snacks will be provided.

The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty.

For more information, call 845-292-6070 or visit www.libertypubliclibrary.org.

Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 4-10, 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  4

3 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Sullivan West Central at Villa Roma Country Club

4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Ellenville at Sullivan County Golf and Country Club

4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Eldred at Liberty Elementary School

4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Eldred at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 1, Eldred 15
The Liberty Varsity softball team faced a tough afternoon on the diamond, dropping a 15-1 decision to Eldred in a five-inning mercy-rule game on their home field.
Eldred’s ace, Giada Donato, was the story of the day, stifling the Redhawks’ offense from the opening pitch. Donato carried a no-hitter into the final frame, racking up 11 strikeouts and keeping the Liberty lineup off-balance throughout the contest until a two-out single in the bottom of the fifth.
The visiting Yellowjackets wasted no time building an insurmountable lead, taking advantage of exceptional plate discipline to jump out to a 15-0 advantage by the end of the second inning. Eldred drew 17 walks on the day and paired that patience with seven timely hits, while also executing aggressively on the basepaths.
The Eldred offensive attack was anchored by a stellar performance from Madison Gaeta, who reached base safely in multiple ways by tallying two hits and two walks, driving in four runs, and scoring twice. Sydney Furler also had a massive afternoon, reaching base four times while swiping three stolen bases and crossing the plate three times. Emma Bisland contributed significantly as well, drawing four walks, driving in two runs, and scoring twice.
For Liberty, the lone hit of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning. With two outs, Angie Wheeler delivered a solid base knock to break up the no-hit bid. Wheeler reached base twice on the afternoon. The Redhawks’ lone run was scored by Brooke Porter, who was driven home on an RBI from Maddy Stewart.
Despite the scoreboard, Liberty’s Coach Philips expressed immense pride in the team’s defensive grit and effort. The outfield in particular kept the squad energized with several highlight-reel plays, beginning with Maddy Stewart, who tracked down three impressive running catches in centerfield. Angie Wheeler added another spectacular catch in centerfield to rob Eldred of extra bases, while Daniela Ponce Flores flashed the leather with a great catch on a hard-hit opposite-field line drive.

4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. James I. O’Neill at James I. O’Neill High School

Tuesday,  May 5

4 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at The Rock Sports Park
Result: Liberty 6, S.S. Seward 25
In sports, as in life, character is rarely defined by the scoreboard; rather, it is developed in how a team responds when bad news hits. At The Rocks Sports Park, the Liberty Varsity Softball team faced a mountain of adversity before the first pitch was even thrown, eventually falling 25-6 to a disciplined S.S. Seward squad in a game that tested their fortitude far more than their fundamentals.
The Redhawks took the field with heavy hearts following the news that their reigning team MVP has succumbed to a season-ending injury. It was a blow that could have defeated any program, but instead, it brought about a display of selfless flexibility. Athletes shifted roles to support their teammates. The Varsity squad was also bolstered by JV call-ups Harper Matuszak and Corinne Lake, both of whom stepped into starting roles without hesitation.
Liberty showed an immediate spark in the top of the 1st inning, manufacturing a run to take an early lead. However, the Spartans of S.S. Seward responded with an offensive display in the bottom half, utilizing walks, aggressive baserunning, and timely hitting to hang nine runs on the board. True to their gritty reputation though, the Redhawks refused to fold. In the top of the 2nd, Liberty roared back with a five-run rally. Brooke Porter, Maddy Stewart, Giuliana Wagner, Arianna Wilson, and Amy Szuba all crossed the plate, clawing the deficit back to a manageable 9-6.
After Liberty’s defense held Seward scoreless in the 2nd, momentum seemed to be shifting. However, the 3rd inning proved decisive as Seward exploded for 12 runs, aided by defensive miscues but fueled by their own plate discipline. The lead became insurmountable, and the game was eventually called after five innings due to the mercy rule.
Despite the result, several Redhawks turned in stellar individual performances. Arianna led the offensive charge with an RBI triple, reaching base three times, and scoring once. Maddy was a constant threat, reaching base twice, swiping two bags, and scoring twice. Lilli Black showed a keen eye at the plate, reaching twice and contributing an RBI.
On the defensive side, the trio of Maddy, Arianna, and Harper personified team loyalty, each playing three different positions during the contest to cover the gaps left by injury. Behind the plate, Corinne played a solid game and showing immense toughness while battling a jammed finger.
While the final score was a loss, Coach Philips saw a lot to celebrate. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group,” Philips said following the game. “They battled all day long in the face of incredible adversity. To see them step into new roles, show that kind of effort, and maintain their resiliency after losing a key leader—that shows the kind of people they are growing into. They can hold their heads high.”
The Redhawks now head into a well-deserved break to regroup and heal. They will return to action next Monday as they travel to take on Port Jervis.

4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Rockland Central School District  at Liberty Middle School

4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland MS/HS

4:30 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis High School

Wednesday, May 6

All events postponed or canceled.

Thursday, May 7

11 a.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at The Monster at Resort World Catskill

4 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Fallsburg at Benjamin Cosor Elementary School

4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. John S. Burke Catholic at Burke Catholic High School

Friday, May 8

4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Monticello at Monticello High School

4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Chester Academy at Chester Academy

Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10

No events scheduled

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

Liberty students’ artwork to be on display starting May 12

Liberty Central School District’s annual K-12 District-Wide Art Show opening will take place 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the lobby at Liberty High School, at 125 Buckley St. The show will remain on display through the budget vote on May 19.

The event is a free evening of art, crafts, raffles, student portfolio, presentations and refreshment among displays of student artwork from across the district.

“Creating art gives students a chance to find their voice in a variety of forms,” said art teacher Kath Johansen, who is organizing the event. “Putting that artwork on display provides students the opportunity to see and experience their work being valued and looking closely at the work of others. This evening of celebrating our emerging artists offers our community the opportunity to take part in that.”

The show opening will be followed by the National Art Honor Society induction at 6 p.m.

For more information, email kjohansen@libertyk12.org.

Sports schedule, and results, for the week of April 27-May 3, 2026

Spring sports is in swing 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, April 27

11 a.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Multiple Schools at Villa Roma Country Club

4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland MS/HS
Result: Liberty 19, Rockland 4
The Liberty Varsity softball team left little room for doubt on Monday afternoon, dismantling the Rockland Wolves 19-4 in a mercy-rule shortened five-inning contest. Combining surgical precision in the circle with a relentless offensive barrage, the Redhawks broke their 4 game losing streak.
The story of the day began on the rubber, where Angie Wheeler delivered a masterclass in efficiency. Wheeler silenced the Wolves’ bats for four shutout innings, surrendering only two hits while racking up seven strikeouts. Most impressive, however, was her command; Wheeler threw a staggering 87% of her pitches for strikes, consistently ahead in the count and forcing Rockland into defensive swings all afternoon.
While Angie kept the Wolves at bay, the Redhawk offense went to work, pounding out 10 hits and showing elite plate discipline to work the count for 14 walks. Maddy Stewart once again served as the catalyst out of the leadoff spot, putting on a clinic by finishing 4-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, and four runs scored.
The middle of the lineup proved just as lethal. Giuliana Wagner finished 2-for-3 with a double and two walks, accounting for three runs scored and three RBI. Angie helped her own cause at the plate, mirroring those numbers with a 2-for-3 performance of her own, including a double, two walks, and two RBI.
The depth of the Liberty roster was on full display as Amy Szuba drove in three runs, while Arianna Wilson reached base three times and crossed the plate twice. Brooke Porter was equally vital to the scoring effort, reaching base four times and scoring two runs to keep the pressure on the Rockland defense.
Despite the lopsided score, the Rockland Wolves never surrendered, competing with a grit that served as a credit to their school and coaching staff. The Wolves’ offense found some rhythm late, led by Allison Froehlich, who collected two hits, and Alex Potosek, who connected for a solid double.
The Redhawks look to carry this momentum into their next matchup vs Seward at home Thursday.

4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at S.S. Seward Institute
Result: Liberty 18, Seward 2
The Liberty Redhawks JV squad showed no signs of road weariness on Monday afternoon, dismantling S.S. Seward 18-2 to secure their fourth consecutive victory. In a game defined by relentless offensive pressure and elite pitching, the Redhawks proved why they are currently so hot and a team to be reckoned with.
The Liberty offense was set to go from the first pitch, punishing the Spartans’ pitching staff for 17 total hits and showing disciplined eyes to draw five walks. The scoring was a complete team effort, highlighted by the feat of every single Liberty starter recording at least one hit in the contest.
Harper Matuszak led the power surge, smashing two doubles and collecting three RBIs. Corinne Lake continued her torrid stretch at the plate, swinging a “hot bat” to the tune of two hits and a game-high five RBIs. Mya Davis was equally lethal, contributing three hits—including a double—and scoring three times, while Montgomery Allen’s speed on the basepaths resulted in another three runs for the visitors.
While the stars at the top of the order grabbed the headlines, the bottom of the lineup proved pivotal in the blowout. Emma Tacti, Mady Rielly, Alex Kelly, and Myla Rielly contributed to the Redhawk scoring machine, with each player crossing the plate twice to keep the pressure mounting in every frame.
As dominant as the offense was, Matuszak was equally spectacular in the circle. Delivering a masterful complete-game performance, she stifled the Seward hitters over five innings of work. Matuszak surrendered just a single hit to finish with a one-hitter, giving up only two runs while racking up nine strikeouts.
With four straight road wins under their belt, the Redhawks return home with a massive wave of momentum and a lineup that appears nearly impossible to quiet.

4:45 p.m.: Boys Tennis vs. Middletown at  Middletown High School

7 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Beacon City at Heritage Financial Park

Tuesday, April 28

4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Tri-Valley at  Sullivan County Golf and Country Club

4 p.m.: Boys Varsity Golf vs. Rockland Central School District at Roscoe Mountain 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 Secondary School

4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Port Jervis at Liberty High School

Wednesday, April 29

4:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School

Thursday, April 30

4 p.m.: Girls Varsity Golf vs. Monticello at The Monster at Resort World Catskill

4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville

4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School

Friday, May 1

4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Tri-Valley Central School

4:15 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
Result: Liberty 6, Eldred 11
In a back-and-forth contest that lived up to the hype, the Eldred Yellowjackets surged from behind, scoring seven runs in the final two innings to defeat the Liberty Redhawks 11-6. The game was a tightly contested matchup from the very first pitch, setting an electric tone for the afternoon between the two local rivals.
Liberty wasted no time getting their offense rolling, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. However, the Yellowjackets showed they were not going to back down, immediately responding with four runs in the bottom of the frame to take a brief 4-3 advantage. The lead changed hands again in the top of the third when Liberty rallied to score three runs, aided by a clutch two-run double by Giuliana Wagner, putting the Redhawks back on top 6-4.
That advantage held strong for Liberty behind the impressive pitching of Angie Wheeler. Angie stifled the Eldred offense through the middle innings and recorded 15 strikeouts on the afternoon, officially passing the 350 career strikeout milestone.
The turning point of the game arrived in the bottom of the fifth inning. After a leadoff single by Sydney Furler and a runner reaching on a dropped third strike, Eldred’s Olivia Gonzalez blasted a home run over the center-field fence. The decisive shot gave the Yellowjackets a 7-6 lead, one they would never relinquish. Eldred tacked on four more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull away. Liberty’s offense showed fight but was ultimately thwarted by a stellar defensive effort from the Yellowjackets, who turned three double plays on the afternoon to prevent Liberty rallies.
For the Redhawks, the top of the lineup once again led the charge. Giuliana finished the day with a double, two singles, three RBI, and a run scored. Maddy Stewart had a hit and scored twice, while Angie helped her own cause with a single and a run scored. Corinne Lake also made an impact in her first varsity start, crossing the plate for a run.
Liberty and Eldred will battle once again on Monday as the two teams prepare for a quick rematch.

4:30 p.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Eldred at Liberty High School

Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3

No events scheduled

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.

For seventh year, Liberty earns Best Communities for Music Education honor 

For the seventh consecutive year, Liberty Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Liberty answered detailed questions about funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

“Music education is essential education,” LCSD Director of Music Eric Aweh said. “Creativity, discipline and emotional expression as well as cognitive and motor skills are all enhanced through music.”

Liberty musicians and vocalists take part in a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, ensembles, parades, all-county and all-state events, and the Liberty Jazz Festival, which unfortunately was canceled due to weather this year. The district did host the Sullivan County All-County Music Festival in March

The spring concert series will begin next month with the Liberty High School Mixed Spring concert on May 6., followed by the Grades 7-8 Spring concert on May 12, the LHS Honors concert on May 14, and the Grades 5-6 concert on May 19. The series will conclude with the Elementary Spring concert on June 1. All concerts will be at 6:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium. The annual Liberty Music and Community Fest will be at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, in Lapolt Park in Liberty

“It is important for schools to foster an understanding—and love—of music in our students,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “The NAMM Foundation’s continued recognition of our dedication to providing a quality music education where that understanding and love can bloom is appreciated.”

Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org.

Library to host bilingual storytime

The Liberty Public Library, in partnership with Sullivan County Public Health,  will host a bilingual storytime at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2.

The event will include stories, songs, crafts and free snacks. No registration is needed.

The library is at 189 N. Main St. in Liberty. For more information, visit the library’s website or visit Sullivan Public Health’s Facebook page.

LCSD board approves proposed 2026-27 budget

Information sessions planned

The Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a $72 million budget for the 2026-27 school year  that includes no tax levy increase.

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 the tax lex levy remaining at $17,760,162.

The district will have several opportunities for residents to learn more about the proposed budget.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan will host a series of informational sessions before the public vote from 11 a.m  to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19,  in the high school media center at 125 Buckley St.

He will present the budget to the Liberty Town Board during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, in the Senior Citizen Center at 119 N. Main St.

The following day, Tuesday, May 5, will be the official budget public hearing, which will be held in the High School auditorium, at 125 Buckley St. in Liberty. The public hearing will also be livestreamed.

The next opportunity will be “Budget, Dinner and a Concert” on Thursday, May 14, starting at 5 p.m. in the High School Media Center. Pizza will be served, and the public is invited to the High School Honors Concert starting at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

The series will conclude with a budget talk at the New Munson Diner at 12 Lake St. The public is invited to bring any budget questions to Dr. Sullivan between 8 and 10 a.m. Friday, May 15.

Full information about the budget will be available on the district’s budget page.

Post navigation