Category: High School News
Liberty CSD voters approve $72M school budget proposal; elect board members
On Tuesday, May 19, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved the district’s $72 million budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year, with 715 yes votes and 159 no votes. This was the eighth consecutive year without a tax levy increase.
“We appreciate the continued support of Liberty Central School District residents,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “They allow us to continue our mission and vision to provide students a trusting environment where they can thrive, be innovative and work toward their full potential.”
The $72,062,104 budget funds all current student programs and services while accounting for increases in costs such as health care, transportation and contractual obligations. It also allows the district to expand courses offered through Syracuse University Project Advance and add extracurricular activities, including intramural sports at the elementary level.
Three board of education members were re-elected to three-year terms on the board. Maureen Stabak, with 966 votes; Eugene Thalmann with 961 votes; and Erin Abplanalp with 960 votes. Also on the ballot were: Miriam Singer, with 23 votes; Miriam Breuer with 19 votes and Miriam Heimlich with 17 votes.
Receiving write-in votes were Daniel Ratner Sr. and Joel Roth.
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of May 18-24, 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 18
9 a.m.: Boys Varsity Tennis OCIAA tournament vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen Sports Complex
10 a.m.: Boys Varsity Golf Section Pre-lims vs. Multiple Schools at West Point Golf Course
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track & Field vs. Multiple Schools at Sullivan West – Jeffersonville
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Middle School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. Chester Academy at Maple Avenue School (Chester)
Result: Liberty 0, Chester 19
On a blistering afternoon where the thermometer topped 90° and the heat index pushed a suffocating 95°, the Liberty Varsity softball team ran into a familiar buzzsaw. Facing off against a perennially tough Chester squad on Monday, the Redhawks suffered a grueling 19-0 defeat, further cementing Chester’s decade-long mastery in this rivalry. Over the last ten years, playing twice a year, Liberty has managed to solve the Chester puzzle just once. The Hambletonians made sure there would be no second surprise.
From the opening pitch, the contest was never truly in doubt. Chester’s offense exploded in the bottom of the first inning, sending 14 batters to the plate. Capitalizing on six hits, three walks, and three defensive miscues by a visibly struggling Liberty defense, the Hambletonians plated 10 quick runs. With a double-digit lead before the second frame even began, Chester never looked back.
Chester’s relentless offense pounded out 11 hits on the day, including five extra-base hits. The definitive exclamation point came in the bottom of the second inning courtesy of Paige Niles. Niles crushed a towering shot over the center-field fence for a home run.
The play of the game, however, belonged to Liberty’s center fielder, Maddy Stewart. Showing absolute disregard for her own well-being, Stewart tracked the ball to the warning track and gave a 100% effort, tumbling completely over the outfield fence in a heart-stopping attempt to rob Niles of the homer. While the ball cleared the wall, Stewart’s gritty athleticism earned the respect of everyone in attendance.
While Chester’s bats stole the early headlines, their starting pitcher kept the Varsity bats completely at bay. Striking out 15 batters, the Lily Lazier surrendered just two hits all afternoon. Though she battled a bit of wildness, issuing seven walks, her defense played flawlessly behind her to work out of any potential jams and preserve the shutout.
Despite the lopsided scoreboard, several Redhawks showed immense resilience while giving their all in the extreme heat. The Liberty offense was led by starting catcher Arianna Wilson, who anchored the team behind the plate in full gear before finishing 1-for-2 at the dish with a single and a walk. Maddy Stewart paired her spectacular defensive effort with a single of her own, while Katterin Reyes Guardado showed great discipline by reaching base twice on walks.
With the regular season rapidly drawing to a close, the Redhawks have no time to dwell on the loss. Only two games remain on the schedule, and everything is on the line. Liberty’s upcoming clash against Beacon will serve as the defining moment of their season, as the result of that matchup will officially determine whether or not the Redhawks qualify for the sectional tournament.
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Marlboro at Liberty High School
Result: Liberty 20, Marlboro 7
The Liberty JV Softball squad put on an absolute clinic on their home field yesterday afternoon, dismantling visiting Marlboro 20-7 in a five-inning, mercy-ruled contest. It was a flawless, all-around performance for the Redhawks, fueled by a relentless offensive onslaught and a masterful performance in the pitcher’s circle.
Liberty wasted no time establishing dominance, putting up “crooked” numbers in each of the first three frames. Before Marlboro could even blink, the Redhawks’ disciplined and explosive approach at the plate had propelled them to a commanding 11-0 lead.
Marlboro finally found some signs of life in the top of the fourth inning, crossing the plate four times to cut into the massive deficit. However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were instantly crushed in the bottom half of the frame. The resilient Redhawks answered right back with a six-run explosion, stretching the lead to an insurmountable 17-4 and putting the game well out of reach.
The top of the Liberty lineup set a blistering pace all afternoon, acting as an unstoppable offensive avalanche. Montgomery Allen was the ultimate catalyst out of the leadoff spot, terrorizing Marlboro’s pitching by pounding out four hits—including a sharp double—and scoring five runs. Right behind her, Liberty’s number-two hitter Mya Davis kept the line moving perfectly, constantly setting the table and scoring four runs of her own.
The heart of the order did exactly what they were supposed to do by driving those runners home. Olivia Matuszak had a monster day at the dish, blasting a double and a single to rack up four RBIs while scoring once. Corinne Lake was equally lethal in the batter’s box, turning in a three-hit performance, scoring three times and driving in another three runs.
What made the victory truly special was the team’s collective patience and balance. Liberty batters refused to chase bad pitches, drawing 12 walks to go along with their 12 hits on the day. In an impressive display of total team chemistry, every single starter in the lineup scored at least one run in the balanced attack.
While the offense provided plenty of fireworks, Harper Matuszak was pure dominance in the circle. Matuszak completely baffled Marlboro’s hitters over her five full innings of work. She surrendered just four hits and did not allow a single earned run all afternoon, pairing her pinpoint control with excellent velocity to rack up an incredible 11 strikeouts.
With the blowout victory, the Redhawks improved their impressive season record to 6-2. They will look to carry this immense momentum on the road tomorrow as they travel to take on S.S. Seward.
Tuesday, May 19
TBD: Boys Varsity Tennis OCIAA tournament vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen Sports Complex
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Eldred at Liberty Middle School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Eldred at Eldred High School
Wednesday, May 20
10 a.m.: Boys Varsity Golf Championship vs. Multiple Schools at West Point Golf Course
11 a.m.: Girls Varsity Sectionals vs. Multiple Schools at Apple Greens Golf Course
4 p.m.: JV Softball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at The Rock Sports Park
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Tri-Valley at Liberty Elementary School
Thursday, May 21
10 a.m.: Varsity Baseball vs. Rockland Central School District at Cooperstown Double Day Field
4 p.m.: Boys and Girls Modified Track and Field vs. Multiple Schools at Tri-Valley Central School
4:15 p.m.: Modified Baseball vs. Rockland Central School District at Rockland MS/HS
4:15 p.m.: Modified Softball vs. Rockland Central School District at Liberty Elementary School
4:30 p.m.: Varsity Softball vs. S.S. Seward Institute at Liberty High School
4:30 p.m.: JV Softball vs. Port Jervis at Port Jervis Middle School
Friday-Sunday, May 22-24
No events scheduled
PTA to sponsor staff dodgeball game
The Liberty Elementary and Middle School staff will face off in the PTA-sponsored Liberty School Wars Dodgeball games at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
All are welcome to the free event, which will be held the high school gym.
Donations will be accepted and concessions will be sold.
Liberty plans Fourth of July celebration, seeks vendors
Liberty will celebrate 250 years of American Independence with a Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4.
The event, which start at 10 a.m. on Main Street, will feature a parade, food and craft vendors, entertainment and fireworks.
The rain date will be Sunday, July 5.
For more information or to become a vendor, visit the vendor application form or email ritademayo@gmail.com.
Liberty Museum and Arts Center to host ‘Movie Prop and Cosplay’ workshop
The Liberty Museum and Arts Center is inviting the community to be part of a free “Movie Prop and Cosplay” art workshop series in the coming weeks.
The workshops, which will build upon each other, will be held from 3-5 p.m. Thursdays, May 28-June 25.
The Liberty Museum and Arts Center is opening its doors and inviting the community to come and be part of the action. Organizers want to encourage all of Liberty to not only come and see the exhibits planned this year, but to help create the exhibits as well. The center will provide the basic materials and teach new skills during the workshop and at the end, participants creations will be displayed at the museum.
Those who are interested are asked to RSVP with Roxxanne Rittenhouse at 845-807-4209 or at the center at 46 S. Main St., Liberty, NY 12754.
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.