The next steps in choosing a new mascot for Liberty Central School District are taking place, and a new mascot will be revealed before the start of the next school year.

The Mascot Committee met in April to narrow down the options to replace Liberty’s Indians mascot, required following a November mandate by the state Education Department and a rule passed by the Board of Regents last month.

Themes of strength, family, intelligence and perseverance, as well as the district’s “Liberty Pride” were often seen in the surveys and meetings as ideas that should be included in the choices.

After reviewing survey results, input from students, staff and the community, information provided by the state and committee discussions, the committee narrowed the selection. The four options, and the traits and characteristics associated with each, are:

• Lions: Lions are fierce, courageous, strong animals that also have a strong sense of community, loyalty and family through their prides,
• Phoenix: A symbol of rebirth, perseverance and growth, the mythical phoenix is a proud, honorable and strong bird.
• Redhawks: Red-tailed hawks, native to the area, are strong, focused, intelligent birds that are protective of their family unit.
• Wolves: Once found in Sullivan County, wolves represent strength, freedom and perseverance and have a community bond through their packs.

Students will vote on the choices during the week of May 15.

Members of the Liberty community will have a chance to vote at the district office, from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, May 22.

The committee will reconvene at the end of May to make the final decision.

A resolution committing the district to ending the use of the indigenous mascot, logos and imagery will be introduced during the June 13 Liberty Board of Education meeting, as required by the state Education Department.

The new mascot will be revealed during the summer.