The capital project, approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January 2024, is moving forward, as the district awaits state Education Department approval of its plans.

In July, the district replaced architecture and engineering firm CSArch with LAN Associates.

Following testing and redesign of some aspects of the project, the plans were finalized in November and submitted to SED on Dec. 13. The district expects an update on approval from SED in February and anticipates final SED approval in April.

Once the SED approval is received, the projects will go out to bid, with bids reviewed and awarded by the Board of Education, likely in the spring.

Construction on the maintenance building was initially expected to begin in fall of 2024, with additional phases of the plan expected to begin in the late spring 2025. Because of required testing and changes in the design of the maintenance building, construction was delayed. Construction of the first phase of the capital project, which now includes construction of the maintenance building; athletic facility improvements, including the installation of a new synthetic turf field, track and field improvements, installation of a grandstand and press box, and installation of new athletic field lighting; upgrades to the HVAC controls at the middle and high school; upgrades to the carbon monoxide alarm system and replacement of exterior stairs at the high school; and replacements of some interior doors at the middle school, is now expected to begin in early summer.

Dear Liberty families,

I am proud of our diverse community here at Liberty Central School District. Every one of you brings a unique perspective to our district that enriches us all.

I understand that some in our community may be concerned about changes that may occur in the coming weeks and months with a new administration.

We just want you all to know that we are committed to providing all of our students a quality education. As part of the commitment, we embrace the Parent Bill of Rights for New York State’s English Language Learners.

The document guarantees access to free public education in the school district where a student lives, regardless of the immigration status of the parent/guardian or student and the language that the family speaks. It also allows for families to enroll students without submitting paperwork that may reveal immigration status. The document also makes provisions for providing interpreters, a bilingual education and more. For more information, you can call the ELL Parent Hotline at 1-800-469-8224, email nysparenthotline@nyu.edu or mail New York State Education Department, Office of Bilingual Education & World Languages, 55 Hanson Place, Room 594, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

We also understand our rights and responsibilities in protecting and helping all of our students.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the state Office of Attorney General and the state Education Department also recently issued guidance and reminders regarding the educational rights of immigrant families and the responsibilities of school districts in regard to bullying and harassment, law enforcement actions, detainment and deportation of family members. The document also listed numerous resources available to families. The full document is available on the SED website here.

It is important for us to educate our students and their families, beyond the classroom, so they can learn and grow here in Liberty.

To that end, I want to make you aware of an upcoming event to which Liberty families are invited. The New York Immigration Coalition will present a workshop on immigrant rights from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Fallsburg Central School District’s Benjamin Cosor Elementary School Cafeteria at 15 Old Falls Road in Fallsburg.

We are also updating our English as a New Language webpage to provide more resources.

Please reach out to our Student Services and School Counseling/Guidance Offices for more information and resources, and as always, if you have questions, please email questions@libertyk12.org.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick Sullivan
Superintendent

A high school school counselor, a middle school special education teacher and an elementary school teacher assistant were recognized by the Liberty Central School District Board of Education with Excellence in Service Awards on Jan. 7

Meaghan Anstee

Mrs. Anstee, a school counselor, was nominated by three people who work closely with her in the High School Guidance Department. They highlighted her work with her colleagues and with Liberty students, calling her “invaluable” and a “huge asset” to the department.

“She is such a positive influence for her students, and her ability to stay calm, cool and collected always is such an inspiration,” one nomination read.

Her compassion set her apart, another nominator wrote. “Always smiling, always a feeling of open arms when students come to her door, she takes time to sit and explain things to her caseload,” the nomination read. “She always makes time for people and Liberty couldn’t be luckier to have such an asset like Mrs. Anstee.”

Danielle Cummins

Mrs. Cummins, a special education teacher, was recognized for her commitment to being a positive influence in her students’ lives.

“Her commitment to education isn’t just about academic success—it’s about the well-being and growth of each individual student,” her nominator wrote. “Whether it’s providing extra support in the classroom, offering a listening ear, or simply making students feel seen and heard, she always creates a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”

Her nomination also highlighted her school spirit and her dedication to the broader school community.

“Her positive attitude is contagious, and she inspires both students and staff to engage with the school community in meaningful ways,” the nomination read. “She frequently volunteers for committees, collaborates with fellow teachers, and lends her expertise whenever and wherever it’s needed.

“Above all, Mrs. Cummins is a kind-hearted, fun-loving teacher who brings joy to those around her… she makes the school a better place for everyone. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, and her positive impact will be felt for years to come,” the nomination concluded.

Ellen Blais

Mrs. Blais, a teacher assistant, was described as “the epitome of a patient, kind and engaging educator” by her nominator.

She regularly evaluates and readjusts plans to meet her AIS students’ needs while challenging them to learn more, according to her nomination. She works at multiple grade levels, “bringing encouragement and a smile wherever she goes. We are extremely lucky to have her as part of our AIS Reading team,” the nomination read.

Each month, faculty and staff members nominate others they believe are going above and beyond, be it a single act of excellence or kindness or a continuous work ethic.

We congratulate these employees on their awards.