Author: christine.carpenter
Board of Education Meeting – April 17
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on April 17, 2024 beginning at 6 p.m.
This meeting will include a Public Hearing on the district’s Transportation, Building/Grounds and Instructional Program Budgets for 2024-25.
The meeting will take place in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room in the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, N.Y.
View the FPCSD Board of Education – April 17, 2024 meeting agenda.
Solar eclipse is a “stellar” learning opportunity
From our youngest learners to the district’s teen astronomers, Solar Eclipse Day 2024 was filled with wonder and awe.
In our classrooms, students learned what it takes to make the sun “disappear” from the sky (blame it on the moon!) and how to keep our eyes safe when watching an eclipse (those fabulous glasses aren’t just for show! )
For our high school Astronomy Club members, the draw of totality (a total eclipse) meant a fun-filled field trip north to Boonville, N.Y. for the big show.
“Viewing a solar eclipse is a wonderful experience, but doesn’t compare to seeing one within the path of totality,” said Lance Elliott, high school Earth Science and Astronomy teacher and club coordinator. “Our trip to Boonville was an idea hatched after witnessing totality during the 2017 solar eclipse. I knew the path was close enough to Fort Plain so that a group of students would get to experience something really memorable.”
April 2024 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-k through high school.
Plain or chocolate fat-free and low-fat milk served daily.
Fruit served daily. May include: fresh, canned, dried (raisins) or juice.
April 2024 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Harry Hoag Elementary—Breakfast | Lunch
Jr./Sr. High School—Breakfast | Lunch
Pre-K
Breakfast
Monday, April 1 – 5 – SCHOOL CLOSED, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 9 – Mini Pancakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, April 10 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, April 11 – Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, April 12 – Egg Patty, Biscuit, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, April 15 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 16 – Waffles, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, April 17 – Cereal, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, April 18 – Yogurt, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, April 19 – Egg Patty, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, April 22 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 23 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, April 24 – Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, April 25 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, April 26 – Egg Patty, Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, April 29 – Banana Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 30 – Mini Pancakes, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, May 1 – Egg Patty, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, May 2 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, May 3 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Lunch
Monday, April 1 – 5 – SCHOOL CLOSED, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 – Chicken Fries, Mixed Vegetables, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 9 – Double Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, April 10 – Hot Dog, French Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, April 11 – Tomato Day! Baked Rotini w/tomato sauce and cheese, Romaine Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, April 12 – Grilled Cheese, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, April 15 – Pizza, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 16 – Meatball Sub, Potato Smiles, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, April 17 – Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Chili Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, April 18 – Tomato Day! Tuna or PB&J Sandwch, Cherry Tomatoes w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Animal Cookies & Milk
Friday, April 19 – Chicken Patty, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, April 22 – Popcorn Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 23 – National Picnic Day! BBQ Burger, BBQ Beans, Apple, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, April 24 – Corn Dog, Baby Carrots w/dip, Banana, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, April 25 – Tomato Day! Bowtie Bake, Meatballs, Romaine Tossed Salad, Fruit & Milk
Friday, April 26 – National Pretzel Day! Ham & Cheese Pretzel, Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Monday, April 29 – Hot Dog, Chili, Applesauce, Low Fat Milk
Tuesday, April 30 – National Raisin Day! Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Raisins, Low Fat Milk
Wednesday, May 1 – Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Thursday, May 2 – Pizza, Jelly Bean Tomatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Friday, May 3 – Chicken Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Carrot Sticks w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Low Fat Milk
Elementary
Breakfast
Monday, April 1 – 5 – SCHOOL CLOSED, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 9 – Mini Pancakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 10 – Whole Grain Donut Holes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 11 – Cereal or Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 12 – Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 15 – Whole Grain Baked Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 16 – Waffles, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 17 – Whole Grain Cinnamon Rolls, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 18 – Yogurt, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 19 – Egg Patty, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 22 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 23 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 24 – Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 25 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 26 – Bacon, Egg, Cheese Bagel Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 29 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 30 – Mini Pancakes, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 1 – Egg Patty, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 2 – Surprise Breakfast Day! Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 3 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Monday, April 1 – 5 – SCHOOL CLOSED, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 – Chicken Fries, Breadstick, Mixed Vegetables, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 9 – Double Cheeseburger, SunChips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 10 – Hot Dog, French Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 11 – Tomato Day! Baked Rotini w/tomato sauce and cheese, Romaine Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Jello
Friday, April 12 – Tomato Day! Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 15 – Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 16 – Meatball Sub, Potato Smiles, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 17 – Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Chili Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 18 – Tomato Day! Tuna or PB&J Sandwch, Cherry Tomatoes w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Animal Cookies
Friday, April 19 – Chicken Patty, Cheese Crackers, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 22 – Popcorn Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 23 – National Picnic Day! BBQ Burger, Baked Chips, BBQ Beans & Apple, Ice Cream
Wednesday, April 24 – Corn Dog, Cheese Popcorn, Baby Carrots w/dip, Banana
Thursday, April 25 – Tomato Day! Bowtie Bake, Meatballs, Romaine Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 26 – National Pretzel Day! Ham & Cheese Pretzel, Crackers, Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 29 – Hot Dog, Chili, Tater Tots, Applesauce
Tuesday, April 30 – National Raisin Day! Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Raisins, Oatmeal Cookie
Wednesday, May 1 – Ham & Cheese Sandwich, SunChips, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 2 – Pizza, Jelly Bean Tomatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cake w/frosting
Friday, May 3 – Chicken Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Carrot Sticks w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
High School
Breakfast
Monday, April 1 – 5 – SCHOOL CLOSED, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 9 – Pancakes, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 10 – Whole Grain Donut Holes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 11 – Cereal or Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 12 – Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 15 – Whole Grain Baked Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 16 – Waffles, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 17 – Whole Grain Cinnamon Rolls, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 18 – Yogurt, Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 19 – Egg Patty, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 22 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 23 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 24 – Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 25 – Breakfast Tornado or Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 26 – Bacon, Egg, Cheese Bagel Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 29 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 30 – Pancakes, Cheese Cubes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 1 – Egg Patty, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 2 – Surprise Breakfast Day! Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 3 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Monday, April 1 – 5 – SCHOOL CLOSED, Spring Break
Monday, April 8 – Chicken Wings, Breadstick, Mixed Vegetables, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 9 – Double Cheeseburger, SunChips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 10 – Hot Dog, French Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 11 – Tomato Day! Baked Rotini w/tomato sauce and cheese, Romaine Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Jello
Friday, April 12 – Tomato Day! Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 15 – Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 16 – Ham & Pineapple Day. Baked Ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, Peas, Pineapple Chunks
Wednesday, April 17 – Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Chili Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 18 – Tomato Day! Turkey Wrap, Cherry Tomatoes w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice, Animal Cookies
Friday, April 19 – Chicken Patty, Cheese Crackers, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 22 – Popcorn Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 23 – National Picnic Day! BBQ Burger, Baked Chips, BBQ Beans & Apple, Ice Cream
Wednesday, April 24 – Chicken Bacon Ranch in a Wrap, Cheese Popcorn, Baby Carrots w/dip, Banana
Thursday, April 25 – Tomato Day! Bowtie Bake, Meatballs, Romaine Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 26 – National Pretzel Day! Ham & Cheese Pretzel, Crackers, Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 29 – Breakfast for Lunch. French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Tater Tots, Applesauce
Tuesday, April 30 – National Raisin Day. Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Raisins, Oatmeal Cookie
Wednesday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Sandwich, SunChips, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 2 – Pizza, Tomato & Mozzarella Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cake w/frosting
Friday, May 3 – Boneless Chicken Wings, Sweet Potato Fries, Carrot Sticks w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Fort Plain-Canajoharie Drama Club Presents—GREASE
GREASE… is the word!
This April, the Fort Plain-Canajoharie high school drama club will present GREASE—a story of love, friendship and a little bit of rebellion. With spirited rock and roll performances and dance numbers, this year’s spring musical is one not to miss!
Performances are Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. Shows will be held at the Canajoharie Central School District High School Auditorium, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie, N.Y.
There is no advance sale for tickets. Tickets will be on sale at the venue on the day of each performance. Tickets are $5 for students/seniors and $8 for adults.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Sandra Christman
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Sandra L. Christman, a longtime member of our teaching staff and supporter of our school community.
Mrs. Christman worked as a Spanish teacher at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, a position she held for nearly 20 years.
“A dedicated educator, Sandi devoted many years of service to Fort Plain Central School District, sharing her love for learning and enriching the minds of countless students. Her commitment to teaching was matched only by her dedication to her family and her passions, which included quilting and creating countless memories at her beloved camp with friends,” reads a tribute, in part, to Sandra Christman.
View the tribute to Mrs. Christman and learn about her many interests and life experiences.
Say “yes” to the dress: promwear available at Kristy’s Closet
Beginning April 8, students looking for promwear are invited to check out the selection of fun and fancy dresses and shoes at Kristy’s Closet. All items are ready-to-wear and available free of charge.
Donations of clean and gently worn prom dresses and shoes are also being accepted. Please contact Stacey Kamp at stacey.kamp@fortplain.org or call the Main Office at 518-993-4000 to learn more or arrange for a drop off at the Jr./Sr. High School.
Kristy’s Closet is located in the basement of Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School. Along with fancy promwear, the Closet is a place where students can access needed clothing and toiletries throughout the year.
A springtime message and updates from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Greetings Fort Plain community members and Happy Spring! It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the third marking period already.
Learning in our school community
I am continually impressed by the positive attitude and diligent work ethic our students display during each and every school day.
Learning is a lifelong process that requires curiosity, dedication and often hard work. Our classroom lessons are rich with meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences. It is encouraging to see our students using our many school resources to achieve their learning and personal goals.
Our teaching and school teams are committed to promoting student and family engagement in our curriculum and school community. We hope our actions inspire students to attend school daily and aim toward academic achievement and growth. To this end, we have in place a series of prevention strategies and intervention resources to support students, particularly those at risk because of chronic absenteeism.
As professionals, we also take the concept of lifelong learning to heart and continue to study and grow ourselves.
At Harry Hoag Elementary School, our teachers are learning about the Science of Reading and employ proven literacy learning strategies daily to teach our students.
At the Jr./Sr. High School, teachers continue to expand their knowledge about what best motivates teen learners and regularly promote student advocacy and peer leadership opportunities. Examples include the newly reinstated Jr./Sr. High School peer tutoring program and events, such as the 8th Grade Family Night and the Pops Concert, designed to bring our school community together.
School Resource Officer Program update
At the start of this school year, Fort Plain schools implemented the School Resource Officer Program in partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Nick Manginelli has been a welcome addition to our school community. Again this year, Deputy Manginelli led sixth grade students through the D.A.R.E. curriculum, helping them learn to make health decisions and life choices.
Deputy Manginelli also coordinated ALICE training for our faculty and staff to improve our school safety response systems. Additionally, he meets monthly with our District Safety Team, which works to ensure a secure and safe campus. New this year, and as a result of our collaboration, several upgrades have been made to the building level safety plans and crisis response protocols. Too, a portion of equipment funding has been allocated for upgrades to our surveillance equipment.
2024-25 school year budget development
Spring is also the season when our community comes together to vote on our district’s budget for the next school year. One important aspect of school budgeting is ensuring that the budget aligns with the school district’s goals and priorities.
The Board of Education has identified five enduring goals:
- Improve safety in our schools.
- Improve student learning outcomes.
- Build and maintain trusting relationships with students and their families.
- Support social and emotional wellness for all school community members.
- Ensure responsible and strategic use of fiscal and human resources to best support the needs of our students.
The school budget is the biggest investment the community collectively makes with its tax dollars. The leadership team works to make sure the budget reflects support for our enduring goals. The proposed budget will allocate funding for resources that will be used to promote learning, improve emotional well-being, and promote the enhancement of all school programs. It is our goal to develop the proposed budget in a responsible and transparent manner to the taxpayers.
May 21, 2024 is the date for this year’s school district budget vote and Board of Education election.
Please visit the 2024-25 Budget resource page to learn more about this year’s budget development process and news. Updates will be added to this page and to the Budget section of the website as they become available.
Thank you for your support!
I hope you each find time to visit our schools this spring. We have so many wonderful activities planned such as an Art Show, A Minute to Win It night hosted by the PTA and the traditional spring concerts and school musical. Please look for details about these and much more in your Parent Square feed, on our district website and social media channels.
Thank you for all you do to support our efforts and those of your children. Your ongoing support of Fort Plain Central School District plays a crucial role in our ability to ensure all students are prepared for success beyond graduation.
Fondly,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
2024-25 Budget Development
The school budget is the biggest investment the community collectively makes with its tax dollars. District leaders work to make the most thoughtful and effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner and to be accountable to taxpayers.
Updates and resources related to the 2024-25 budget process will be added to this page and the Budget section of the website as they become available.
School Budget Vote – May 21, 2024
Each spring, the board of education adopts a budget for the coming school year for a community vote. New York state has designated the third Tuesday in May as the date for school budget votes.
This year, the school budget vote and board of education election will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The vote will be held at the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!
Board of Education adopts proposed 2024-25 proposed budget
During its regular meeting on April 17, 2024, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a proposed $23,844,000 budget for the 2024-25 school year.
The school budget represents an increase in spending of $524,000, or 2.25%. over the current year budget. The spending plan will allow the district to maintain all current academic programs and personnel, and will provide for additional supports and learning opportunities for students.
Under this proposal, the tax levy would increase by 1.43%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap of 3.43%. Because the tax levy increase remains below the district’s allowable limit, as determined by the state’s tax “cap” formula, a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) is needed to pass the budget.
Learn more about proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year.
Opportunities to learn about the school budget
Since the start of the year, district administration and the Board of Education have been at work developing a budget for the 2024-25 school year. The goal is to maximize the district’s resources to create a fiscally responsible budget for the district’s academic, athletic and extracurricular programs and essential services in order to meet students’ needs.
- Public Hearing – Transportation, Building/Grounds and Instructional Program Budgets, 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in the conference room of the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, N.Y.
- Public Hearing – Proposed 2024-25 Budget, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in the conference room of the District Office.
Early Voting/Absentee Ballots
Early voting/absentee ballot applications may be obtained from the District Clerk, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Completed applications for ballots must be returned to the District Clerk at least seven days before the vote and election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the vote and election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.
Early/absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 21, 2024, the day of this year’s vote.
2024 Board of Education Vacancies and Election
Three Board of Education seats up for election on May 21
Three seats on the Fort Plain Board of Education will be up for election this May to fill vacancies for terms expiring on June 30, 2024. The new terms will run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.
Regular elections for Board of Education seats are held each year on the third Tuesday in May, the same date residents vote on the coming year’s school budget. This year’s vote date is May 21.
Petitions to run for the Board must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024.
For information on how to be placed on the ballot, contact Becky Smith, District Clerk, at becky.smith@fortplain.org or (518) 993-4000, ext. 1000.
Any U.S. citizen who is a resident of Fort Plain Central School District for 30 days prior to the vote may run for a seat on the Board.
Serving as a School Board Member
What does a Board of Education (school board) member do? Why volunteer to serve on the Board? Here’s some helpful information from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Responsibilities of a Board Member
With school children always their ultimate focus, school board members act officially at the board table, working with other board members to serve students and accomplish the following:
- Create a shared vision for the future of education.
- Set the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance.
- Provide rigorous accountability for student achievement results.
- Develop a budget and present it to the community, aligning district resources to improve achievement.
- Support a healthy school district culture for work and learning.
- Create strategic partnerships with the community stakeholders.
- Build the district’s progress through continuous improvement.
- Adopt and maintain current policies.
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent.
- Ratify collective bargaining agreements.
- Maintain strong ethical standards.
Characteristics of a Board Member
Below are attributes that all effective board members should possess:
- Effective Communicator: Can describe what they want and describe what others want; a good listener.
- Consensus Builder: Capable of working toward decisions that all can support and willing to compromise to achieve goals.
- Community Participant: Enjoys meeting a variety of people, can identify the community’s key communicators and reaches out to the community.
- Decision Maker: Is comfortable making decisions and can support group decision-making.
- Information Processor: Can organize priorities and schedules to handle large amounts of verbal and written information.
- Leader: Willing to take risks, be supportive of board colleagues, district staff and community.
- Team Player: Helps promote the board’s vision and goals.
Early release scheduled for April 8
An early release for all Fort Plain students at 1:30 p.m. on April 8, 2024 was approved by the Fort Plain Board of Education at its regular meeting on March 13, 2024.
On April 8, areas of New York state, including the Fort Plain region, will experience a partial or total eclipse of the sun. This is a rare occurrence, happening once every 400 years.
It is anticipated that many individuals will be traveling into and through the region in order to experience this once in a lifetime event.
Our goal, as always, is to ensure the safe and timely transport of students to and from school. Given the anticipated increase in traffic on our roads, and based on the advice of tourism, transportation and law enforcement officials, our leadership and board have decided on an early release on this day.
Learn about the April 8 eclipse
The April 8 solar eclipse will be fully visible across a narrow area of the state, referred to as the “path of totality.” People will experience a partial eclipse throughout the rest of the state.
To learn more about the eclipse, visit I Love New York and the New York State and the Department of Parks and Historic Sites.
Safety is key in an eclipse—make sure to follow all safety precautions and keep safety in mind when choosing where to watch the event.