Three more staff members were honored during the Liberty Central School Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 11. Earning Excellence in Service Awards were art teacher Kath Johansen, fifth grade teacher Kim Heinle and Elementary 1:1 teachers aide Syndey Portz.

Kath Johansen

Johansen was recognized by two staff members for going above and beyond for students.

“Not only has she worked so hard to contribute to the District Art show, she has given the life skills class a wonderful experience in art this year, “ one nominee wrote. “Kath always connects what the students are learning in science and social studies and incorporates into her art lessons. From sewing pouches for the Pony Express or making bee houses for pollinators, Kath believes that learning with one’s hands is the best. She has been an asset to the life skills class this year and we appreciate her!”

Kim Heinle

Heinle’s long term dedication to making a difference in the district set her apart.

“Mrs. Heinle epitomizes dedication, compassion and excellence in her role as an elementary educator, embodying the values and commitment that we strive to instill in our educators,” her nominator wrote. “Mrs. Heinle has been an integral part of our district for the past two decades, demonstrating unwavering passion and commitment to the education and well-being of our students.”

She fosters growth, in herself and others.

“Her intentional pursuit of diverse teaching experiences reflects her belief in the power of change and personal growth, both for herself and her students,” the nomination read. “Her approach is characterized by high expectations, flexibility, authentic relationships, and creating a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed.”

“An unwavering beacon of positivity and optimism,” Heinle inspires students and colleagues, the nomination said.” Mrs. Heinle is a true facilitator, mentor and collaborator, always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with fellow educators.”

Syndey Portz

Portz’s staunch dedication to supporting “a very challenging student” led to her nomination.

“I was humbled by the way Ms. Portz demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her student in every situation,” her nomination read. “She has an admirable ability to be creative, positive, and an excellent teammate.”

And it isn’t just her work with her student.

“She creates a positive and supportive environment for every child in this building,” the nominator wrote. “Her dedication, compassion, patience, and love make her worthy of this excellence award and more.”

Each month, 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.

Construction expected to begin in the fall

While no dirt has been moved nor a sledge hammer yet swung, work on the Capital Project approved by Liberty Central School District voters in January is moving forward.

After speaking with administrators and staff who will be impacted by the work, a basic schedule of the work has been created. The plan was recently presented to the board of education.

Maintenance Building

The maintenance building structure for the Building and Grounds Department, which has already been approved by the state Education Department following the 2021 project vote, is expected to go to bid this summer and early fall, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall and be completed by late summer 2025.

Phase 1

The next phase will be broken into three sections, with all expected to be submitted for SED approval in July, and bidding to be in February and March 2025.

• Phase 1A will include exterior stair replacement and emergency generator replacement at the high school; interior door replacement at the middle school, and hazardous flooring abatement and replacement at the elementary school. The work at the athletics field is also in the phase. That will include the synthetic turf field installation, running track and field events upgrades, scoreboard, public address system and bleacher replacement, the addition of site and athletic lighting, sidewalk replacement, and replacement of the press box with a pre-engineered metal building. Construction of this phase is anticipated to take place spring 2025 through spring 2026.
• Phase 1B will be the boiler replacement in the Elementary School, with construction expected to take place in summer 2025.
• Phase 1C will be the installation of new emergency generators in the middle school and district office and the replacement of electrical distribution panels of the middle school. Construction of this phase is expected in summer 2026.

Phase 2

The second phase of the project will be at the elementary school, with the boiler conversion (steam to hot water) completed, gymnasium ventilation added, HVAC controls upgraded, unit ventilators installed and the wood flooring in classrooms replaced. The project is expected to be submitted for approval to the NYSED in September with bidding anticipated in May or June 2025 and construction to be completed in summer 2026.

Phase 3

The final phase will include renovations to the 300 wing and cafeteria, as well as work needed to convert the former maintenance space into the innovation lab, at the high school. The third phase will also include HVAC controls upgrades at the high school and middle school, new carbon monoxide systems in all three school buildings and the district office, new emergency lighting and repairs for the transformer and chiller at the middle school, and roof fascia repairs and gymnasium seating handrail upgrades at the elementary school. The final phase is expected to be submitted to NYSED for approval in January 2025, with bidding anticipated to follow in November and December 2025. Construction is expected to take place during the summers of 2026 and 2027.

The full capital project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The presentation can be seen at https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/liberty/Board.nsf/files/D49JCW4C71CF/$file/CS%20Arch%20Presentation%20April%2016%2C%202024.pdf

Liberty High School English Teacher Michele Clark and Liberty Central School District Board of Education member John Nichols will be honored by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council later this spring.

Michele Clark

Clark will receive a Teaching Excellence Award, which is “designed to recognize those teachers who have demonstrated excellence in achieving the educational mission at their BOCES, district, or campus level,” according to the MHSSC.

Clark, who has taught English for 30 years, 25 of them at Liberty, will be honored for her commitment to her students and the school community.

“Clark is more than just a teacher; she is a dynamic educator who continuously innovates and enhances her craft,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan wrote in nominating her for the award. “Her dedication to professional development and her willingness to explore new teaching methodologies have resulted in engaging and effective lessons that resonate with her students.”

High School Principal Derek Adams agreed, writing in his nomination letter: “In the classroom, Michele exhibits exceptional educational talent, employing effective instructional practices that not only engage students but also yield tangible results in terms of academic growth and achievement.”

Her excellence goes beyond the lessons, Sullivan wrote, calling her “a caring individual who prioritizes building meaningful relationships with her students and colleagues alike.”

“She creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed,” he added. “Her genuine care and concern for her students extend beyond the classroom, as she actively participates in extracurricular activities and mentorship programs to further enrich their educational experience.”

Adams’ noted Clark’s work as Allusions co-advisor, where creative writing, poetry and artistic work come together in the annual Allusions publication.

She is also a leader for her peers, Adams wrote. She is a department facilitator and hosts weekly professional learning community groups to improve her department. “She exemplifies leadership qualities that inspire others and contribute to the professional development of the entire faculty,” he wrote. “She embodies the highest ideals of teaching excellence and is truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”

John Nichols

Nichols, who has served on Liberty’s school board for more than a decade, including time as board vice president and five years as president, will receive a School Board Service Award. The award is “designed to recognize those individuals who through their selfless efforts have helped guide, support, promote and serve the school districts and communities they represent,” according to the MHSSC.

“The mission of the Liberty Central School District is to empower each student to contribute and thrive in a diverse community by pursuing their potential,” Sullivan wrote in his nomination letter for Nichols. “After reading our mission, I am honored to state that Mr. John Nichols has exemplified our mission throughout his work as a Liberty Central School District Board of Education member.”

Nichols’ goals, Sullivan wrote, “are to provide students with the opportunities and resources to help our students achieve, uphold fiscal responsibility, and represent the entire Liberty Community.”

And that is something Nichols has done well, Sullivan wrote.

Nichols “always stresses the importance of leveraging our resources to expand our curriculum, supports each student that walks through our hallways and relays the voice of his constituents,” Sullivan wrote.

Sullivan also pointed out Nichols’ dedication to students and tradition. In his role as board president and a volunteer firefighter, Nichols, a 1985 LHS graduate, helped the district safely resume the homecoming bonfire during the 2021-22 school year.

Fiscal responsibility is also important to Nichols.

“Mr. Nichols has a strong understanding of our school budget, and he continuously balances fiscal responsibility and innovation,” Sullivan wrote. “(He) continuously supports our Strategic Plan from his Board of Education capacity and has advocated for a minimal tax increase for our school community for several years,” calling him “a true champion for our students, faculty, staff and taxpayers.”

“Liberty would not be on its trajectory if it wasn’t for Mr. Nichols’ leadership,” Sullivan wrote.

The awards will be presented at the MHSSC’s Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Wednesday, May 8, in the Fieldstone Auditorium in North Rockland School District

This year, the MHSSC split its awards into two ceremonies. LHS Teaching Assistant Nancy Katzenberger was honored this fall as one the recipients of the MHSSC’s Support Staff Award for Excellence in Education.