Author: christine.carpenter
2025-26 school budget development underway
On February 5, 2025, Superintendent Lauren Crisman and Finance Director Philene Hudson presented a draft plan for the 2025-26 school year budget to the Fort Plain Board of Education.
The budget proposal preserves all academic programs and staffing, and includes funding to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming places for students and staff to learn, work and grow.
“This year’s budget provides support for initiatives that align with our enduring goals. We continue to think creatively about how we can best serve our community’s youth and provide them with an education and enriching experiences that prepare them for the future.”
Items under consideration in the draft 2025-26 budget include:
- The purchase of curricular materials that align with the statewide literacy initiative and will support each of our students in gaining proficiency with essential English Language Arts (reading, writing and communication.)
- Continuation of funding for BOCES services to support our students. For 2025-26, this will include the reintegration into the Distance Learning Consortium, which offers our high school students the opportunity to participate virtually with expanded and unique coursework and advance placement offerings.
- Support for experiential learning opportunities in the region to promote career exploration.
Voters will also consider a proposition to purchase three school buses (one 72-passenger and two 24-passenger) for approximately $400,000 as part of the district’s continual renewal of its transportation fleet. This would be paid for from bus purchase and capital reserve funds and will have no impact on the 2025-26 tax levy.
Proposed 2025-26 budget: At-a-Glance
The total for the draft budget is now $24,000,000 with anticipated revenue from all sources equaling this amount.
The proposed spending plan carries a tax levy increase of 1.00%, which remains below the district’s state calculated limit or “cap” of 5.15%.
The proposed budget would increase September school tax bills by an estimated* $10.87 for those with a property assessed at $100,000 and basic STAR – and – $3.90 for property owners with Enhanced Star.
*Calculations are based on prior year assessed values and equalization rates and subject to change.
Upcoming budget presentation and vote
The budget development process will continue through the spring with opportunities for the public to learn more.
The next presentation to the Board of Education on the 2025-26 budget is April 10.
A public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, in the District Office Conference Room, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY.
The school budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library at 25 High St., Fort Plain, NY.
At that time, district residents will also vote on two open seats on the school board. Board of Education petitions are now being accepted. Contact District Clerk Becky Smith for more information, 518-993-4000 ext. 1000.
Additional information about the annual budget process, including budget presentations, voting and tax information, can be found on the Budget page of our website.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Pamela Kuntzsch
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Pamela “Pammy” Kuntzsch, who worked in the kitchen at Harry Hoag Elementary for more than 30 years.
Pamela Kuntzsch is remembered for her bright smile and for helping every child she met feel seen, cared for and loved.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
View a tribute to Pamela Kuntzsch and learn more about her life and experiences.
Career exploration helps students see a world of possibilities
Along with helping our students gain essential knowledge and skills, we offer a host of opportunities throughout the school year designed to spark their interests in new career pathways.
Here are just a few of the ways our students have been exploring “a world of possibilities” this school year:
Touring today’s in-demand jobs
NYS Department of Labor was on campus earlier this year, offering our students a virtual tour through some of today’s in-demand jobs and emerging industries—from manufacturing and construction to healthcare and finance. This led to some great conversations with our high schoolers about future learning and careers!
Law and order
A group of our seniors recently attended the Women in Law program at the Onondaga County Courthouse in Syracuse. Hosted by the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, the program brought students and legal professionals together to introduce young women to the various professions in the field of law and promote the advancement of women in the legal professions.
Cultivating leaders
At the Cooperstown Central School’s 10th Annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, our student-athletes learned that leadership is an essential skill—in all aspects of life and on the track, field and court. Students had the chance to attend workshops about redefining success (it’s not all about winning!), self-care, and leadership with their teams/teammates, in their schools and community.
Inspiring the next generation of teachers
Students curious about a career in education participated in a two-day teacher recruitment workshop at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, led by members of our high school teaching team and designed to inspire and inform students about the rewards and impact they can have as teachers.
Women in the skilled trades
Career and technical education offers students a chance to train for jobs and careers in a host of skilled trades. Many of our high schoolers follow this course of study with our partner HFM BOCES and in-house through our welding pathway program. This March, Fort Plain students joined their peers from around the region for an event focused on women in the trades, offering them the chance to “see themselves” in the many career pathways offered through the BOCES.
Canajoharie and Fort Plain residents vote against merger in straw poll
On Thursday, March 6, residents in the Canajoharie and Fort Plain central school districts voted against the merger in an advisory referendum/straw poll vote.
The measure was rejected with a vote of 318 to 286 in Canajoharie and 206 to 191 in Fort Plain.
The boards of education now have one year to revisit the question of a merger and put the question to the community for a revote if they choose to do so. After that time, a new study would be needed if the districts wish to reconsider a potential merger.
Canajoharie Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald and Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman wish to thank all who voted in the straw poll. They also thank the districts’ boards of education, members of the Merger Advisory Committee and members of the two communities who gave generously of their time and thoughtful input during merger study meetings, in surveys and during forums on the potential merger.
Despite the outcome of the poll, the superintendents said the merger study and community feedback throughout the process have provided input that will be valuable as the districts continue to look for ways to work together for the betterment of their students.
Straw Poll Vote on proposed merger, Thursday, March 6
We continue to seek community input regarding a proposed merger of the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts.
A non-binding Straw Poll Vote is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 6.
Fort Plain residents can vote from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library. Please bring proof of age and residency to the poll.
Fort Plain Canajoharie drama club presents—The Addams Family
This March, the Fort Plain Canajoharie high school drama club will present The Addams Family—a musical comedy based upon the creepy, kooky and all-together ooky cartoon family with an affinity for the macabre.
Performances are Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Shows will be held at the Canajoharie Central School District High School Auditorium, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie, N.Y.
Tickets will be on sale at the venue on the day of each performance. There are no advance sales. Tickets are $5 for students/seniors and $8 for adults.
Library Club book collection for our students
Send our students on a reading adventure this summer!
Here is what you can do:
- Donate. Any amount is welcome!
- Adopt a book for $25.
- Send in new-ish books for young adults, teens or older elementary school students.
Checks can be made out to the “Fort Plain Library Club” and sent to the Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, 1 West Street, Fort Plain, N.Y., 13339, c/o Ms. Tariyka Chalk.
Please contact Ms. Tariyka Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org or Mrs. Cory Cooley at cory.cooley@fortplain.org to make a cash donation.
Book donations can be dropped off at the Jr./Sr. High School.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org.
Thank you for your support!
Merger Public Forum – February 26
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to learn more about the recent Feasibility Study and the proposed school merger.
Your voices are critical in shaping the direction of this important decision. At the forums you will be able to ask questions and engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of education in our two communities.
Upcoming forum date and location
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6 p.m. Virtual Meeting
Join the virtual meeting at this link.
During these forums, you will:
- Learn about potential opportunities and advantages a merger could provide for students.
- Understand the challenges facing both school districts.
- Be able to ask questions.
Parents, students, teachers, staff and all interested community members are welcome to attend.
Video series addresses key merger topics
Canajoharie and Fort Plain Central School Districts are exploring a merger. A non-binding straw poll vote to gauge community support for a merger will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in each school district.
To help residents make an informed decision about the potential merger, Canajoharie Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald and Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman have prepared a series of informational videos that address some of the key issues and questions residents and others have asked in recent surveys, meetings and forums.
Topics include:
Videos will be available here and at the Merger Resources space in the coming days.
Questions?
As always, please feel free to contact Superintendent Crisman, lauren.crisman@fortplain.org, 518-993-4000, ext. 1000, with questions you may have about the potential merger.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Barry Kahn
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Barry Kahn, a Fort Plain alumnus, beloved educator and dedicated Fort Plain elementary school teacher for more than three decades.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
View the tribute to Barry Kahn and learn about his many interests and life experiences.