2026 Board of Education Candidates

The 2026-27 school budget vote will be held on May 19, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library. At that time, district residents will also vote to fill three open seats on the school board.

The elected board members will each serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026.

The Fort Plain Board of Education is empowered to develop policies, rules and regulations for the operation of our school district and for the education and well-being of our students.

Learn more about the responsibilities and characteristics of a board of education member.

The candidates for the 2026 Board of Education election were asked to share their background information and a statement about why they wish to serve on the Fort Plain Board of Education. Here are their answers:

Janine Brown

Janine Brown is running for a three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.

Janine Brown is a longtime Fort Plain resident and a graduate of Fort Plain schools.

Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:

“Upon graduating from college, I chose to come back and raise a family here with my husband. My child and extended family attend Fort Plain schools, so I care deeply about our district’s future.

I have served as a youth sports coach and currently work as a school counselor, with prior experience at Montgomery County Youth Services. Through these roles I gained firsthand insight into the needs of students, families and schools. I am committed to improving student outcomes, supporting all learners and listening to community perspectives through open, respectful dialogue.”

David Briggs

David Briggs has served as a member of the Fort Plain CSD Board of Education during the 2025-26 school year by appointment of the board. He is running for his first three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.

David Briggs has been a resident of the Village of Fort Plain since 1964 and is a graduate of Fort Plain Schools.

Briggs is a licensed life, property and casualty insurance agent.

He is also a community volunteer, serving on such school district committees as the FPCSD CDEP team and the FPCSD safety committee. He is president of the Yerdon Foundation and board member of the Scholarship Association of Fort Plain. He is also the past president of the Fort Plain Little League and past treasurer of Fort Plain Biddy Basketball.

Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:

“I have always been interested in serving as a volunteer in our school and overall community and appreciate the opportunity to continue as a member of the Fort Plain Board of Education, if elected by the voters in our district.”

David Przestrzelski

David Przestrzelski is running for a fifth three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.

Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:

“I am running for the Board of Education because I like to do things for our community. I believe that our children are our future and I want to do all I can for them. I also like being involved with the district’s budget process and watching our spending and making sure that things are done as efficiently as possible.”

Anthony Crouse

Anthony Crouse is running for a second three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.

He has been a resident of the Village of Fort Plain for the past six years.

Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:

“I have been a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley and understand the unique obstacles that rural schools have to face each year.

I would love to continue working to make Fort Plain the best school in Montgomery County. With your vote, you will have a board member with 33 years of accounting experience (FYE Inc.) who understands the complexities of a budget and forecasting for the future.

Over the next few months, there will be a lot of tough decisions for the school district (with or without the merger). Having family and friends who are students and employees of the school, I have a vested interest in the success of Fort Plain Central School District. I am committed to using my first three years of experience on the Board to continue making excellent choices for the future of Fort Plain.”