On Tuesday, May 16, voters in the Liberty Central School District approved, 232-50, the district’s $66.3 budget proposal for the 2023-24 school year.

“We appreciate the residents’ continued support of what we are accomplishing here at the  Liberty Central School District,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “With that support, we can continue to give our students the future-forward education they deserve.”

The $66,296,362 budget funds all current student programs and services, while decreasing the tax levy by $1 million. It enhances the nationally recognized social emotional learning program Leader in Me and expands Science 21 and the HMH ELA and mathematics programs to help provide a consistent curriculum across grades. The budget also will establish an in-house newcomer program for English language learners, add two permanent substitute positions to each school building and an LPN position to be shared across two buildings, bring the IT director position in-house and add vape detectors to the middle and high school bathrooms. Funds will also be used to enhance safety and security.

Voters also elected three board of education members. Eugene S. Thalmann, with 210 votes,  was elected and sworn-in on May 16 to fill the unexpired term of Anthony Sinacore as well as a full three-year term that will expire on June 30, 2026. Serving three-year terms starting July 1 will be Maureen Stabak, who was re-elected to the board with 238 votes, and Erin Abplanalp, who was elected for her first term on the board, with 197 votes.