Category: Archive
Straw Poll Vote on proposed merger tomorrow – Thursday, June 4
A Straw Poll Advisory Vote is scheduled for Thursday, June 4.
This vote will assess the community’s support for the proposed merger of the Fort Plain and Canajoharie districts before proceeding to the final vote.
Residents of the Fort Plain district can vote from noon – 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library.
Learn more about the proposed merger at the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Merger Resource site and with this video series on key merger-related topics.
Absentee ballots/early voting
For an absentee ballot, residents must fill out an application. Call 518-993-4000 ext. 1000 to obtain an application.
To have a ballot mailed, the district must receive the application by 5 p.m. May 28, 2026.
To pick up a ballot in person, the application must be received no later than 3 p.m.on June 3, 2026.
All absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk by 5 p.m. on June 4, 2026.
Video series addresses key merger topics
Fort Plain and Canajoharie 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, June 4, 2026 in each school district.
To help residents make an informed decision about the potential merger, the districts have prepared a series of informational videos based on the recommendations of the Focus Teams. This series will also include a video on understanding school finances.
Topics include:
- Operational Planning (release date 5/11)
- Educational Programming (release date 5/14)
- Understanding School Finances (release date 5/20)
- Student Centered Transitions (release date 5/26)
- Staff Centered Transitions (release date 5/28)
- Cultural Integration (release date 6/1)
Links to the videos will be available here and at the Merger Resources space in the coming days.
Updated 6/1/26
Staff Spotlight: Meet Rachel Heroth – Technology Integration Specialist
Join us in shining a spotlight on the district’s Technology Integration Specialist and grade 7-12 teacher Rachel Heroth.
“Rachel Heroth exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and student-centered educational leader,” said Interim Superintendent Karen Geelan.
“Her experience as a former Director of Technology brings tremendous knowledge and leadership to our district, but what truly sets Rachel apart is her unwavering commitment to people. Whether she is organizing student events, supporting staff or troubleshooting a technology issue at a moment’s notice, Rachel consistently goes above and beyond. Her energy, compassion and willingness to help anyone at any time make her an invaluable part of the Jr./Sr. High School and the entire Fort Plain school community.”
On any given day, you might find Rachel Heroth teaching her seventh graders to write code, troubleshooting a Chromebook that just won’t start, leading our teachers in a deep dive into the state’s computer science standards or helping students launch that week’s edition of FPN News. Or she may be handling something entirely different, but equally essential to our students’ learning and school success.
As the district’s Technology Integration Specialist and teacher of such tech-related coursework as computer science, multimedia and video production, Heroth is an on-the-go and go-to member of our team.
Now in her seventeenth year in k-12 education, and a member of the Fort Plain team since 2021, Rachel says that she wanted to work in education because she loves spending time with kids and watching them develop new ideas and create new things. She also gets a lot of satisfaction from helping people learn.
“I feel happy when I am around the students—they bring a special kind of energy,” Heroth said.
“I think there is so much value in project-based learning and assignments that mean something and are approachable,” she continued. “I loved creating things that were tangible when I was studying business in college. I went into education with the desire to show the kids that this is what education could mean for them, too.”
An example of this sort of learning—and a project Heroth counts as a highlight of her career to date—is the student produced FPN News program.
Since its launch as a school club and subsequent expansion into a for-credit high school course in 2022, FPN News has provided students with hands-on opportunities to report, write, film, direct, and deliver the school’s weekly news and event updates. Along the way, students get to build their communication, design and digital media skills as well as skills such as teamwork, problem solving and time management. It also helps them feel more confident, creative, accepted and part of something bigger than themselves.
“[FPN News] has evolved into something bigger and much more creative than I could have imagined. It has brought so much to our school,” Heroth said. “I have seen so many kids come ‘out of their shells’ in this class and express skills and strengths they haven’t shown in any of their other classes. I didn’t predict this would be what this class would mean for the students.”
“Rachel Heroth is an outstanding educator whose impact can be felt throughout every part of the Fort Plain school community. She is a creative, energetic and innovative leader who consistently goes above and beyond for both students and staff,” said Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Katrina Canallatos. “Rachel has a special ability to build strong relationships with students, making them feel connected, supported and excited to be involved in school. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her talent, leadership and commitment serving our students each day.”
Congratulations to our 2026 National Honor Society inductees
Join us in congratulating our Jr./Sr. High School students who were inducted into the Fort Plain National Honor Society (NHS) at a May 20 ceremony.
Senior NHS members and leaders Josephia Carcasole, Owen Castellano, McKenna Karker, Connie Narzymski and Taylor Potter, as well as faculty advisor, Kolbe Gray, helped lead the ceremony.
2026 National Honor Society Inductees
Students are inducted in the National Honor Society based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character. Join us in congratulating:
- Jordyn Best
- Gami Brackett
- Ian Burns
- Kala Clapper
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Elle Nare
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Brady Spaulding
- Dawson Tracki
- Cheyanne Wall
Fort Plain’s chapter of the National Honor Society was chartered in 1954.
Voters approve 2026-27 School Budget
Fort Plain Central School District residents voted on May 19, 2026 to approve a $24,240,000 budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 228 to 52.
Bus Proposition
Voters also approved a referendum by a vote of 217 to 60 authorizing the district to purchase three (3) gas/diesel school vehicles for approximately $350,000. These funds will be drawn from reserve funds. The purchase will have no impact on the tax levy.
Library Tax Increase
A referendum to allow the Fort Plain Library to increase its annual taxpayer supported appropriation from $100,000 to $125,000 was also approved by a vote of 202 to 77. This proposition is separate from the Fort Plain Central School District’s annual budget and will be raised annually by a tax on taxable property in the school district.
Board of Education Election
Additionally, voters elected David Briggs (227 votes), Janine Brown (163 votes) and David Przestrzelski (149 votes) to fill three vacancies on the Board of Education.
The three successful candidates will serve three-year terms that begin on July 1, 2026.
2026-27 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election – May 19
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 is the date of the 2026-27 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election.
Voting will take place in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from noon to 8 p.m.
Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!
Proposed 2026-27 school budget
Proposed Budget: $24,240,000
Increase from 2025-26 budget: $240,000/1%
Tax Levy Increase: 1.25%
Learn more about the proposed 2026-27 school budget.
View the 2026-27 Budget Newsletter.
Voter information
To be eligible to vote, residents must live in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the May 19, 2026 election, be at least 18 years of age and be a citizen of the United States.
Learn about early voting, absentee ballots and voter registration.
Also on the ballot
In addition to the proposed 2026-27 budget, the community will vote on the following:
Proposition 2: School Vehicle Purchase
Residents will be asked to consider the purchase of three (3) gas/diesel school vehicles for approximately $350,000. This will be paid for with Capital Reserves and will have no impact on the 2026-27 tax levy. The district is eligible for roughly 90% reimbursement for these vehicle purchases through state school transportation aid.
Proposition 3: Library Tax Levy
Residents will be asked to consider an increase of $25,000 in the annual appropriation to support and maintain the Fort Plain Free Library, from $100,000 to $125,000. This proposition is separate from the Fort Plain Central School District’s annual budget and will be raised annually by a tax on taxable property in the school district.
Board of Education Election
Residents will vote to elect three members to the Fort Plain Board of Education to serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2029.
The four candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are:
- Janine Brown
- David Briggs
- David Przestrzelski
- Anthony Crouse
Lead Testing Notice
On May 15, a notice was sent home with all students about recent drinking water lead testing in the Fort Plain schools. The notice explains the testing process, what was found, and the steps being taken to keep our students and staff safe.
Proper signage has been posted indicating sinks are not for drinking water and are to be used for handwashing only.
Mitigation procedures are underway, and the “kitchen kettle” in the JSHS, which is used infrequently, has been made inoperable pending plumbing replacements. Retesting will be scheduled aftward.
Please contact Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan at at 518-993-4000 with any questions or concerns.
NOTICE TO PARENTS, GUARDIANS and STAFF
Fort Plain Central School District
Lead Testing of School Drinking Water
May 15, 2026
Safe and healthy school environments can foster healthy and successful children. To protect public health, the Public Health Law and New York State Health Department (NYS DOH) regulations require that all public schools test lead levels in water from every outlet that is being used, or could potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found in any water outlet at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter (μg/L), the NYS DOH requires that the school take action to reduce the exposure to lead.
What is “first draw” testing of school drinking water for lead?
The “on-again, off-again” nature of water use at most schools can raise lead levels in school drinking water. Water that remains in pipes overnight, over a weekend, or over vacation periods stays in contact with lead pipes or lead solder and, as a result, could contain higher levels of lead. This is why schools are required to collect a sample after the water has been sitting in the plumbing system for a certain period of time. This “first draw” sample is likely to show higher levels of lead for that outlet than what you would see if you sampled after using the water continuously.
What are the results of the first draw testing?
On May 12, 2026 we received results from Fulmont Laboratories, who tested 22 faucets at Harry Hoag School and 24 faucets at the Junior-Senior High School on April 26, 2026. Two faucets in each school had results exceeding 5 ppb. The Harry Hoag sinks and one of the sinks at the JSHS are being taken out of service, unless an outlet is a sink faucet needed for handwashing. In that case, a sign was posted at the outlet. One faucet at the JSHS will be taken out of service for replacement and then it will be retested.
What are the other sources of lead exposure?
Lead is a metal that has been used for centuries for many purposes, resulting in widespread distribution in the environment. Major sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint in older housing, and lead that built up over decades in soil and dust due to historical use of lead in gasoline, paint, and manufacturing. Lead can also be found in a number of consumer products, including certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, foods, plumbing materials, and cosmetics. Lead seldom occurs naturally in water supplies but drinking water could become a possible source of lead exposure if the building’s plumbing contains lead. The primary source of lead exposure for most children with elevated blood-lead levels is lead-based paint.
Additional Resources
For more information regarding the testing program or sampling results, contact Dr. Geelan at 518-993-4000, or go to our school website: https://www.fortplain.org/district-services/health-services/
For information about lead in school drinking water, go to:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/facplan/LeadTestinginSchoolDrinkingWater.html
For information about NYS DOH Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, go to: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/
Fort Plain Class of 2026 – Top 10 Seniors
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School has named the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026. Congratulations to each of these students on their many accomplishments:
- McKenna Karker—Valedictorian
- Josephia Carcasole—Salutatorian
- Ian Burns
- Owen Castellano
- Constance Narzymski
- Koby Herron
- Taylor Potter
- Dawson Tracki
- Bradley Rumrill
- Breyanna Gilot
Top 10 Video
Watch a video in tribute to our Fort Plain Class of 2026 Top 10 Seniors.
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.
2026 Board of Education Candidates
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.”
Reminder: School Closed May 21, 22 and Memorial Day, May 25
School will be closed from Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25.
This includes two unused emergency days and the Memorial Day holiday.
School will be back in session on Tuesday, May 26.