LIBERTY — The Liberty Town Board meeting on Monday, September 15, featured a presentation by Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent of the Liberty Central School District, outlining the district’s strategic plan and priorities for the school year.

Dr. Sullivan emphasized the district’s mission is to “give the students the opportunity to be successful, not only within our schools, but moving outward” to positively impact the community as a whole. A central component of the plan is the use of the multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), which tailors resources to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Programs are available for students who struggle, those who need social emotional assistance and those who excel academically through enrichment opportunities.

Another initiative is the expansion of student-led conferences, which aim to empower high school students by having them take an active role in reporting progress to teachers and families. Safety also remains a priority, with the district continuing to monitor tools such as Gaggle, and anonymous alerts to identify potential risks, addressing bullying and provide timely intervention.

Dr. Sullivan also spoke about growing academic opportunities, including partnerships with SUNY Sullivan, Syracuse University, and Siena University that provide students with early college credit and specialized courses such as computer science.

The most significant policy change this year has been the implementation of the New York State Education Law 2803, which prohibits the use of cellphones and internet-enabled devices during school hours.

“So far, our students and their families have been understanding of this,” Dr. Sullivan said, noting that the adjustment has gone much more smoothly than anticipated. “We’ve seen more conversations in the cafeteria, more student engagement in the classrooms and most importantly more students interacting with each other,” he said.

While some parents expressed concerns over safety and communication, the district has provided an FAQ sheet explaining exceptions for emergencies. Dr. Sullivan added that staff are also encouraged to model appropriate behavior by limiting their own phone use during the school day.

He continued by stressing that the cellphone ban has already shown positive impact, helping create a more engaging and connected school environment.