Category: District News
Lead in water testing results reported at Liberty
State law requires school districts to sample all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes in buildings that may be occupied by students and to submit those samples to a state-approved lab for analysis. Testing must be completed every three years, unless the state Commissioner of Health requires testing sooner.
The state established an action level of 5 micrograms per liter or 5 parts per billion (ppb). If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must take steps to prevent the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes until it is remediated and follow-up testing confirms it is no longer above the action level.
School districts are required to report the results of all water testing to the state Department of Health, the state Education Department and the local health department, and to post the results — along with remediation plans, if required — on the official district website.
Testing took place at the middle and high school on April 8, the elementary school on April 9 and the White Sulphur Springs building on April 10.
- At the high school, a hand washing sink in the Nurse’s Office returned a 10.1 parts per billion level.
- At the middle school, a second-floor pass-through storage hand washing sink returned a 175 parts per billion level.
- At the elementary school, eight sinks were found to be above 5 ppb
- Between 16 & 17 Teacher space hand sink: 20.6 ppb
- Room 30 class sink: 14.7 ppb
- Room 42 class sink: 9.5 ppb
- Room 43 class sink: 25.6 ppb
- Room 45 class sink: 59.1 ppb
- Room 46 class sink: 6.3 ppb
- Room 48 class sink: 67.6 ppb
- Room 53 class sink: 9.1 ppb
- All outlets at the White Sulphur Springs building returned levels below 5 ppb.
Signs have been posted at all impacted sinks that water is not to be consumed from that outlet. Remedial actions will be taken and the outlets will be retested.
More information and links to the full reports are available here.
Liberty BOE OKs $68.5M budget proposal; info sessions planned
On Tuesday, April 22, Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a $68.5 million budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year that maintains programs while enhancing goals and procedure alignment as well as efficiencies district-wide without increasing the tax levy.
This is the seventh consecutive year there is no proposed tax levy increase.
The vote will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the high school media center.
There will be a series of budget information sessions, to which the public is encouraged to attend:
- May 5: Budget presentation to the Liberty Town Board, 6:30 p.m., the Senior Citizens Center at 119 N. Main St.
- May 6: Budget hearing, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium
- May 8: Budget, Dinner and a Concert, 5:30 p.m., HS Media Center
- May 9: Budget talk, 8:30-11:30 a.m., New Munson Diner, 12 Lake St.
The proposed $68,508,362 budget increases spending 0.70%, or $474,068 and would fund all current student programs and services.
Based on the governor’s budget proposal’s state aid projections, the district expects an overall slight decrease in state aid, with the tax lex levy remaining at $17,760,162, the same as the 2024-25 budget.
Also on the ballot is a nearly $7.5 million capital project proposal that would add air conditioning to the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets 88 degrees as the maximum temperature in educational and support services spaces. There is no expected tax levy impact, as fund balances would be used to offset the costs not covered by state reimbursements. More information is available at the district’s 2025 capital project webpage.
There also will be three board of education seats on the ballot. On the ballot, in the order they will appear, are Miriam Rivka Singer, incumbents John L. Nichols and Timothy Hamblin, Miriam Heimlich and incumbent Matthew DeWitt.
The elected candidates will serve three-year terms running July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
For more information on the budget, including voter information, visit the district budget information page on the website.
LMS hears anti-bullying message from Sweethearts & Heroes
A mixed martial arts professional and a retired Army sergeant severely injured in Iraq recently presented a message of hope, empathy, compassion and action at Liberty Middle School.
Sweethearts & Heroes Director and Co-Founder Tom Murphy and Rick Yarosh, a Purple Heart recipient and motivational speaker, used role playing, facts, small-group exercises and real-life experiences to help teach students they can be heroes by helping stop bullying and offering hope.
“Many communities in this region grapple with socioeconomic hardships, further complicating the educational landscape,” Murphy said. “The struggles these students endure are heartbreaking, yet Liberty Middle School has paved the way for resilience and success.”
Sweethearts and Heroes’ message and approach aligns with the LMS Comprehensive Education Plan and the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan, said Behavioral Specialist Sheila Wormuth, who brought the program to LMS.
“Their unique approach focuses on actionable steps, rather than just awareness, making a real impact,” she said.
For more than 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has presented what Murphy calls “the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying” to more than 2.5 million students across the Northeast and Canada.
The target for the lessons isn’t the bullies or their targets, he said, but those who see it happening and can step in and help.
Over two days, Murphy and Yarosh presented two assemblies—tailored to fifth and sixth grade students in the first and seventh and eighth in the second—visited classes and led small group activities, called circles.
“It was real, it was honest, it was relatable and it will help me see ways to be a better person in school,” seventh-grader Greyson Torres said.
While the message was primarily geared toward students, it also heavily involved staff, who were directly addressed in the presentation and participated in the circles, Wormuth said.
“These were two of the most positive and productive days toward our SEL (social emotional learning) effort,” sixth-grade teacher Justin Golden said.
That is something Murphy said is needed.
“While their environment may not be perfect, in just two days, we witnessed not only students thriving but also a dedicated staff that genuinely loves and cares for the children in their community,” Murphy said. “Bravo, Liberty—bravo!”
A recording of the assemblies can be found at https://events.locallive.tv/events/172824
A message regarding high school graduation dress code
Dear Liberty families,
On Feb. 27, the district held a forum to discuss the current dress code for our high school graduation ceremony. The dress code is in place to maintain the formality of the event while keeping the focus on our students’ academic and civic achievements.
Along with their caps and gowns, the district has, in the past, allowed students to wear regalia from certain outside organizations/entities. Students will continue to be permitted to wear regalia from those previously approved organizations/entities, which are listed below. The district will not permit students to wear regalia provided by any other outside organization, entity, group or otherwise that are not included on the list below. Students are also permitted to decorate the tops of their graduation caps to reflect their heritage, families, personalities and journeys, provided that such decorations comply with the district’s Code of Conduct and Student Dress Code policy.
During the forum, about 15 attendees requested a change to the existing dress code. They noted that some surrounding districts have implemented changes; however, upon further review, we found that the districts in Sullivan County follow a graduation dress code similar to ours.
We appreciate our students, alumni and families for sharing their perspectives.
After careful consideration, the current graduation dress code will be as follows:
- School-issued: Valedictorian sash; salutatorian sash; LHS Class Officer cord.
- Other approved regalia: National Honor Society stole; United States Armed Forces stole or sash; New York State Public High School Athletic Association medal; New York State Seal of Biliteracy medal; National Art Honor Society cord; National Technical Honor Society cord; HOBY Youth Leadership cord; NY Blood Center Donor cord; New York State Seal of Civic Readiness medal; and Sullivan County BOCES SkillsUSA.
Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent
Dr. Derek Adams, High School Principal
Liberty announces 2025 Wall of Fame honorees
The Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce its two honorees for the 2025 Wall of Fame: Samuel Sanders Jr. and Albert Van Dyke.
Samuel Sanders Jr.
Sanders, a graduate of Liberty High School’s Class of 1979, has dedicated his life to uplifting his community through mentorship, athletics and service. As a standout multi-sport athlete, he was a four-year varsity basketball player, team captain and two-time recipient of the Ivan Richards MVP Award. His athletic talents led him to play at Mansfield College, earn all-star status in a semi-pro league, and receive a tryout with the New Jersey Nets. However, his greatest legacy extends beyond the basketball court.
Choosing service over a professional career in Australia, Sanders returned to Liberty to invest in the next generation. As the founder of Rising Stars Basketball, he has mentored and coached countless young athletes, organizing free clinics and tournaments to unite and inspire the community. His work as a coach at LHS, as well as with the Hudson Valley Hawks and Hudson Valley Rivermen, has shaped the lives of many aspiring athletes.
Sanders has also been a steadfast role model as a deacon at Friendship Baptist Church. His commitment to youth development extends to his career as a recreation director at Delaware Job Corps and St. Christopher’s Inc., where he creates enrichment programs for young people with diverse needs.
Sanders’ leadership has also been evident in organizing community events such as the “Pursuing Your Dreams” workshop and the “Fathers and Men’s Unity Event.
Through decades of selfless dedication, he has left an enduring mark on Liberty, mentoring youth, strengthening community ties and serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Albert Van Dyke
Albert Van Dyke was a trailblazer in special education, a devoted community leader, and a champion for students with special needs. A 1948 graduate of Liberty High School, Van Dyke dedicated his life to ensuring all children had access to quality education. He began as a social studies teacher at Liberty, but soon recognized the need for specialized programs to support students who struggled in traditional academic settings. He established the district’s first special education class, which later expanded into a countywide program under Sullivan County BOCES. The organization’s first director of special education, Van Dyke created and expanded programs at a time when special education was often overlooked.
Van Dyke was also an Eagle Scout, a member and Sunday School superintendent of the Liberty United Methodist Church, and a participant in civic organizations such as the Liberty Lions Club and the Sullivan County Mental Health Board. A historian and collector of local artifacts, he donated more than 2,000 cataloged postcards to the Sullivan County Museum.
Whether helping a Liberty graduate become a police officer by arranging for a civil service test to be read aloud or even rescuing two small children from a burning building, Van Dyke’s selflessness knew no bounds.
Van Dyke continued to serve his community after his 20-year career at BOCES by designing and implementing the county’s preschool special education program.
Van Dyke, who died on April 30, 2012, was a man of integrity, vision and boundless dedication to the Liberty community and has left an indelible mark on Sullivan County.
The Wall of Fame
The Wall of Fame was established in 2011 by the Board of Education to honor extraordinary alumni. Nominees are judged on exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions within their career, community or personal life. The two honorees were inducted during the Liberty Central School District Wall of Fame ceremony in June 2025. Former inductees’ information can be found on the district’s Wall of Fame webpage.
LES ballfield to be closed for repairs
Starting Monday, April 14, the ballfield at Liberty Elementary School will be closed for use to allow for the Liberty Central School District maintenance crew to make repairs.
The field will be filled, raked and reseeded. The dugout closest to the cafeteria, which is used for storage, will also be removed.
The entire field will be shut down and blocked off during the closure. The length of the closure will depend on how long it takes the grass to grow and the field to recoup from the wear and tear.
For more information, please email Director of Facilities Randy Kleingardner at rkleingardner@libertyk12.org.
Capital project to address cooling at LES set to go before voters May 20
On Monday, March 31, the Liberty Central School District Board of Education approved a capital project to go before voters during the annual budget vote and school board election on May 20.
The nearly $7.5 million project would add cooling units to portions of the elementary school to address recent state legislation that sets a maximum temperature of 88 degrees for educational and support services spaces.
The district is working with architecture and engineering firm LAN Associates and construction management firm Schoolhouse Construction on the project.
The capital project is not expected to have a tax impact as $1,125,000 would be used from available fund balance and the remaining amount reimbursed through state capital project aid.
The project would be done in conjunction with HVAC work approved by voters in a capital project vote in January 2024.
Rather than adding just heating units to 38 classroom spaces, a counseling and AIS space, if approved on May 20, the units would be heating and cooling units in the original section of the building. The main office, faculty area and nurses office will also be upgraded.
“It is more cost effective to build this into an ongoing project, rather than retrofitting units at a later date,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said.
Studies have shown that students who have a comfortable learning environment have more success. If classroom temperatures cannot be kept to below 88 degrees, it could cause disruptions, including possible school closures.
“We are aware that portions of the Elementary School can get hot during extreme heat days,” Sullivan said. “While this project would not be completed until after the law goes into effect on Sept. 1, this would help us in the future.”
If approved, the project, which also includes electrical and boiler upgrades at LES as well as ancillary work, would be scheduled for possible completion before the 2026-27 school year. More details on the project will be shared later on the district’s website, www.libertyk12.org.
Voting will take place between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the Liberty High School media center. For more details on voting, visit https://www.libertyk12.org/department-services/business-office/.
Seven earn awards at countywide art show
Seven Liberty student artists participating in the Countywide Art Show at Bethel Woods won awards.
- People’s Choice Printmaking: Serenity Moore.
- Artist’s Choice Mixed Media: Madelynn Stewart
- Artist’s Choice BW Photography: Endya Alvarez
- People’s Choice BW Photography: Allison Vasko, Jenifer Jadan
- Artist’s Choice Color Photography: Leonel Malaga Ventura, Savannah Pagan
The show is open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m. today (March 28) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday March 29 and 30.
High school principal named new assistant superintendent
Liberty Central School District will have a familiar face as its new assistant superintendent starting July 1.
High School Principal Derek Adams was approved to serve the role by the Liberty Central School Board of Education on Tuesday, March 25.
“Dr. Adams has had a great impact as principal of Liberty High School,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “I look forward to working with him now at the district level, as we continue to make progress in achieving the goals of our five-year strategic plan.”
Dr. Adams will replace Marianne Serratore, who has served as interim assistant superintendent since October 2023.
“I also want to thank Ms. Serratore for her work over the past nearly two years, helping streamline our curriculum mapping and making strides in implementing our strategic plan,” Dr. Sullivan said.
He is a graduate of Livingston Manor High School, Sullivan County Community College and SUNY Cortland. On Jan. 31, 2025, Dr. Adams earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from American College of Education.
He started his teaching career in 2005 at Sullivan BOCES, teaching physical education, before serving as the assistant principal and director of physical education, health and athletics at Tri-Valley Secondary School.
In 2016, Dr. Adams was appointed high school assistant principal and athletic director at Wallkill Central School District.
In 2020, he earned an excellence in administration award from the Mid-Hudson School Study Council.
“I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve the district on a larger scale to support the students of Liberty as an Assistant Superintendent. Having spent the past seven years as a high school principal in this district, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the strength of our community,” Dr. Adams said. “I look forward to reaching our vision through collaboration, strategic planning and execution to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality, rigorous and inclusive education. Together, we will build coherence across all schools, strengthen instructional practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement that empowers both educators and students to reach their full potential.”
Level Up Village expands students’ view of the world
Liberty Middle School students are learning about other cultures and interacting with students from around the world without leaving their classroom.
Since 2022, the school has partnered with Level Up Village, which connects schools around the world with the goal of promoting cross-cultural understanding, tying into Liberty’s strategic plan goal of fostering inclusivity, global citizenship and communication.
“By connecting students with peers worldwide, the program promotes global citizenship, cultural understanding and respect for diversity,” said Liberty Middle School Media Specialist Jill Parks. “It also enhances communication and collaboration skills, reinforcing the district’s goal of clear and consistent engagement with staff, families, and the broader community.”
This is the school’s sixth session with Level Up Village, with previous students working with peers in Zimbabwe, Kenya and Ukraine.
Parks’ sixth-graders are currently connecting with students in Bogata, Columbia, exploring three key topics: education, leadership and community. They are using the book “I am Malala,” the autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani education activist who championed girls’ education.
Working in small groups, students explore Malala’s life and create digital presentations on the key topics. After completing their presentations, students record videos discussing their topic, what they learned, and how they represented it in their work. The videos are uploaded to the LUV platform, where students from the partner school watch them and create response videos. In their responses, they compare and contrast the topic’s significance in their respective countries.
The interaction is something the students are enjoying.
“What I’ve learned so far is how much they really enjoy learning about us,” Sophie Toledo said. “Before we started, I assumed that we would just answer questions back and forth, but now I realize how much they enjoy learning about our culture and how much excitement they put into these videos for us.”
For many LMS students, the chance to interact with their peers in Colombia has helped them learn more about the world around them.
“It helps me learn what it’s like in different countries and helps me see how different and alike we are from kids in different countries,” Gregory Dasraj said.
That wider view of the world has piqued students’ curiosity, something that has stuck with some long after the 10-week program was over.
“It makes me wonder what their story is when I see someone now,” said seventh-grader Lilly Kehrley, who participated in the Level Up Village program last year.
Lessons in the leadership qualities of cooperation and compromise are also important.
“I learned that working together helps stop arguments and issues,” current Level Up Village student Aaliyssa Lynn Rodriguez said. “Working together is better than one person doing all the work.”
The program is proving to be an experience that helps equip students with the skills, empathy and perspective needed to contribute and thrive in a diverse community and an interconnected world.