Category: Middle School News
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.
BOE to have special meeting May 12
There will be a special meeting of the Board of Education at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, in the District Office at 115 Buckley Street, Liberty NY. There will be a brief agenda and the meeting is open to the public. The board anticipates to enter into executive session (not open to the public) at the conclusion of the open meeting. There will be no other regular business. The agenda will be available at Board Docs on Monday, May 11.
The next regular meeting of the board will be on Tuesday May 26, 2026.
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.”
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 LMS administration
Dear LMS Families,
We want to make you aware of a situation that occurred today, May 1, involving a student who brought cake pops to school and shared them with peers. Some of the cake pops were made using a mold that included a design resembling a marijuana leaf, which led to concern among students that the items may have contained an illicit substance.
We want to clearly communicate that the cake pops did not contain any illegal or harmful substances. As a precaution, all students involved were evaluated by the school nurse, and no concerns were identified.
The LMS Administration, in collaboration with our School Resource Officer (SRO), conducted a thorough investigation. All families of students directly involved have been contacted individually.
We understand that situations like this can cause concern, and we appreciate your understanding as we work through matters like these with care and diligence. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the main office.
Sincerely,
LMS Administration
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