Two people who have had a positive impact on Liberty Central School District will be honored next month by the Sullivan County School Boards Association.

High school math teacher Edward Lare will be presented with an Outstanding Educator Award, and cleaner Mary Chanov will receive an Outstanding District Employee Award.

“These two individuals embody what it means to be a Liberty Redhawk, with dedication to making Liberty a great place to learn,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.

Mr. Edward Lare

Mr. Lare has worked for Liberty for four years. He was nominated by High School Principal Stephen Matuszak for his “extraordinary commitment to excellence in education and his unwavering dedication to his students’ success.”

Mr. Matuszak also highlighted Mr. Lare’s teaching method that personalizes instruction, encourages students to take ownership of their learning and balances structure with creativity, “ensuring that each lesson is meaningful, relevant, and accessible to learners of all abilities.”

Mr. Lare embodies lifelong learning. He enrolled in the new Coding Course through Sienna College, which will allow him to integrate coding and technology into his curriculum. “This endeavor not only reflects his passion for professional growth but also his commitment to equipping students with critical 21st-century skills,” Mr. Matuszak wrote in his nomination letter. “Edward is preparing his students for future opportunities and challenges in an increasingly digital world.”

Mr. Lare’s influence can be found beyond the classroom, by supporting students through mentoring, extra-curricular involvement and by fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. “His approachable nature and genuine care for students create a safe and welcoming space where learners feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking academic risks,” Mr. Matuszak wrote. “Many students have shared how Edward’s encouragement and support have made a lasting impact on their lives.”

He also has a positive impact on his colleagues, regularly sharing innovative teaching strategies and actively participates in professional development opportunities.

“In summary, Mr. Edward Lare exemplifies the qualities that make an outstanding educator: passion, innovation, dedication, and a heartfelt commitment to student-centered learning,” Mr. Matuszak wrote.

Mr. Lare thanked his co-workers for their support over the past four years. “Receiving the SCSBA is truly an honor and is humbling considering the outstanding educators who have received this award in the past,” he said. “It has always been a privilege working at Liberty with all of the dedicated staff members, supportive administration, and an incredible mentor, who all continuously inspire me to be the best teacher that I can be.”

Ms. Mary Chanov

Ms. Chanov has been a staple at Liberty Central School District for 25 years, serving in various roles including as a substitute, a teacher aide, a cafeteria monitor and the last 10 as a cleaner.

“Ms. Chanov exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, professionalism and compassion, making her a truly invaluable asset to our school district,” Dr. Sullivan wrote in his nomination letter.

She has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of students, staff and the entire school community, going above and beyond the call of duty. She regularly volunteers to work on weekends and after hours, ensuring that students have full access to their extracurricular activities.

Ms. Chanov plays a crucial role in maintaining and securing Liberty school facilities. She takes great pride in ensuring the buildings are always in excellent condition and safe for everyone.

“On numerous occasions, I have personally witnessed her working diligently on Saturdays, shampooing carpets, tidying offices, and even nurturing the plants in my own workspace, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant,” Dr. Sullivan wrote. “These small but thoughtful actions highlight her attention to detail and her genuine care for the environment in which we all work and learn.”

Ms. Chanov’s presence in common areas such as the cafeteria is an ongoing source of support and encouragement for students offering a kind word, a helping hand, or simply by creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere. “In this way, Ms. Chanov’s contributions extend far beyond her job description; she helps build a nurturing community where students feel valued, secure, and supported,” Dr. Sullivan wrote.

She also has had a positive impact on faculty and staff, assisting her colleagues through practical help, moral support, or simply by being a dependable and positive presence.

“Ms. Mary Chanov embodies the essence of an outstanding district employee,” Dr. Sullivan wrote. “Her dedication, compassion and tireless work ethic have a profound and lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the school environment as a whole.”

Liberty has also had an impact on Ms. Chanov, who will be retiring in January.

“During my career I’ve made so many friends and I cherish them. The learning I received from the students was priceless. It’s assisted me in helping other students throughout my career. I’ve learned to listen and appreciate the kids,” she said.  “It made me a better person and taught me how to help them.

“Receiving this award is an honor and a privilege,” she added. “I owe this award to the kids and to God for putting me in the best place to work.”

The awards will be presented at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at the SCSBA annual awards dinner and meeting in the Beechwoods Clubhouse at the Villa Roma at 356 Villa Roma Road in Callicoon.

Dear Liberty families,

I look forward to seeing our students for the first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4. For details on school building schedules, please visit the school websites: Liberty High School, Liberty Middle School and Liberty Elementary School. For general information, visit the district website.

A few reminders and updates before the school year begins:

The athletic field (football field/track area) is off limits to the public as construction continues.

There is also a portion of the ballfield on the elementary school that is still closed to the public as well. Please respect the barriers in place.

I am also happy to inform you that the culvert replacement at the elementary school is complete with access from North Main Street available. For specific pickup and drop off information, visit the elementary school website.

If you have any questions about the upcoming school year, please visit our website, review information provided at our community forum, contact your children’s school buildings or email questions@libertyk12.org.

Working together, I am sure we can make this school year the best one yet.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick Sullivan

Superintendent

Safety is a top priority for the Liberty Central School District. As school begins, the district wanted to remind its families of some of the safety procedures and terms. Families are asked to review the information available at  https://www.libertyk12.org/about-us/liberty-central-school-district-emergency-information-guide/.

Those with questions, may email questions@libertyk12.org.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Liberty Central School District (the “District”) is committed to ensuring that all students receive the supports and services they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The District recognizes its obligation of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”) to all eligible students and continues to align its practices with the requirements set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and New York State Education Law.

Recently, the New York State Education Department (“SED”) released guidance and a New York State appellate court issued a decision concerning New York State public schools’ obligation to provide special education and related services to resident students with disabilities up until the student’s 22nd birthday. Effective with the 2026–2027 school year, the District will provide special education and related services to students with disabilities only to the extent required by applicable federal and New York State law.

If you have any questions regarding your child’s special education services, or how this notice may affect your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Services.

We remain committed to collaborating with families to ensure the success of all students.

Sincerely,

Deborah DeGraw

Director of Student Services

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In accordance with New York State’s Sex Offender Registration Act, local law enforcement agencies will, at their discretion, notify school administrators of  sex offenders living or working in this district. Such information may include the offender’s address or zip code, photograph, crime of conviction, modus of operation, type of victim targeted and the description of any special conditions imposed on the offender.

The information the district receives from local law enforcement will be posted in an appropriate location in all district buildings, and will be available to you upon request. This information can also be located on the Liberty Central School District website at www.libertyk12.org where the link to the NYS Sex Offender Registry is updated continually and the District policy 5450.1 Notification of Sex Offenders is located. In addition, any information received will be circulated to all staff that might come into contact with the offender in the course of doing their jobs, including Building Principals, staff who issue visitors’ passes, bus drivers, custodians, playground monitors and coaches. All other staff members will be informed of the availability of the information. Staff have been directed to notify their supervisor if they observe any suspicious person(s) in an area where children congregate, and law enforcement officials will be notified in cases where the circumstances warrant it.

We are dedicated to the safety of our children while they’re in school. All of our schools have strict sign-in/sign-out procedures for our students, and all visitors must first report to the school’s main office for a visitor’s pass. In addition, our school curriculum includes teaching personal safety and stranger awareness skills.

We encourage you to talk to your children about personal safety. Books and other resources are available from school counselors, if necessary.
Specific questions about this matter may be directed to Police Officer Christopher Orlando at Liberty Police Department, 159 North Main St., Liberty, NY 12754 – Phone: 845-292-4422 or to any School Resource Officer.

Please be assured that the school district will continue to take responsible and appropriate measures to protect our students.

Sincerely,
Patrick Sullivan
Dr. Patrick Sullivan

Dear Liberty families,

As you may be aware, New York State passed a law prohibiting students from accessing cellphones and internet-enabled-devices during the school day on school property, with few exceptions.

The law was passed to help reduce distractions and increase student engagement, as well as support student mental health.

We have created a policy and have a plan in place to address this issue. The full policy and plan can be found on our website.

The policy states that, unless there is an approved exception, middle school and high schools students must silence their phones and store them and other prohibited devices in their lockers. We discourage our elementary students from bringing devices to school, but if they do, the devices must be stored in their cubbies.

Students will have access to their school-provided Chromebooks and other devices.

We understand parents and guardians need to be able to reach their students during the school day. Students and their parents and guardians can communicate via the district-provided email or via phone at their schools main office.

If a student is found with a prohibited device, the student will be asked to place the device in their locker or cubby. A second offense will result in the device being stored in the main office, with a parent or guardian notified and the student able to retrieve their device at the end of the school day. A third and subsequent offence will result in the phone being stored at the main office and a parent or guardian must retrieve the device. Further offenses will result in the devices being stored at the office daily for longer periods of time.  Administrators will also discuss the goal of the policy with students and their parents or guardians, the benefits of a distraction-free environment, the reasons the student had difficulty following this policy, and how the district can help the student contribute to a distraction-free environment. Students will not be suspended based solely on violation of this policy. However, the district may use consequences under the district’s Code of Conduct, including detention, in-school suspension and exclusion from extracurricular activities. Assignments on the detrimental impact of social media on mental health, smartphones in school, or other relevant topics may also be issued.

The district will also monitor enforcement of the policy and publish an annual report beginning in September 2026.

We appreciate the feedback provided by families earlier this year. To address some of the questions and concerns raised, a FAQ sheet is available on the district website. The issue will also be addressed at our annual back-to-school community forum, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, outside the High School Library.

If you have questions, please look over the FAQs, attend the forum or email questions@libertyk12.org.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent