Category: Archive
2025-26 legal notice of budget hearing, vote and election
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 Budget for the Fort Plain Central School District shall be held in the District Office Conference Room of the Harry Hoag Elementary School, Fort Plain, New York, on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., prevailing time. The budget will be available for review at the District Office, Fort Plain, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weekdays, during the fourteen (14) days preceding the date of the election.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual meeting of the qualified voters of the Fort Plain Central School District will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 between the hours of 12:00am and 8:00pm, prevailing time, in the Library of the Harry Hoag Elementary School, Fort Plain, New York, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by machine on the following items:
2025-2026 BUDGET
To adopt the annual budget of the Fort Plain Central School District for the fiscal year 2025-26 and to authorize the requisite portion therefore to be raised by taxation on the taxable property on the District.
PROPOSITION #1
Shall the Board of Education of the Fort Plain Central School District be authorized to: (a) acquire three (3) school vehicles at a maximum aggregate cost not to exceed $400,000; (b) expend such sums for such purpose; (c) expend from the Bus Purchase/Capital Reserve Fund an amount not to exceed $400,000 for such purpose; (d) levy the necessary tax therefore, to be levied and collected in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education taking into account state aid received and amounts disbursed from the reserve fund; and (e) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, to issue bonds and notes of the District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $400,000, and to levy a tax to pay the interest on such obligations when due?
ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBER SEATS
To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education consisting of two (2), three (3) year terms commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028, to succeed Kaitlyn Webb and Joshua Parkinson, whose terms expire on June 30, 2025.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for the 2025-2026 school year, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting except Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, at District school buildings between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time and also at said District Election. A report of tax exemptions, showing how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll or rolls used in that budgetary process is exempt from taxation, shall be annexed to the budget document.
The election and budget vote shall be by machine or early mail or absentee ballot. The hours during which the polls shall be kept open shall be from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. prevailing time or for as long thereafter as necessary to enable qualified voters who are in the polling place at 8:00 p.m. to cast their ballots.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the District Clerk at the District Clerk’s office in Fort Plain, New York, not later than April 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters or two percent (2%) of the voters in the previous annual election of the District, whichever is greater, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. A copy of such petition may be obtained at them Office of District Clerk during regular school hours.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with §2035 and 2008 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk of the Board of Education at the Fort Plain Central School District, New York on or before April 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. prevailing time; must be typed or printed in English, must be directed to the Clerk of the School District and must be signed by 25 qualified voters or five percent (5%) of the number of qualified voters who voted in the pervious annual election, whichever shall be greater; and must state the name and residence of each signer. However, the School board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that applications for early mail and absentee ballots will be obtainable and are returnable no earlier than April 21, 2025 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays, from the District Clerk. Completed applications for early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, May 13, 2025; or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, May 19, 2025. Early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025.
A list of all persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. prevailing time on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, except weekends, up to the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/her challenge and reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. A challenge against an early mail ballot cannot be based on the reason that the voter should have obtained or applied for an absentee ballot.
The Education Law makes special provisions for absentee voting by “permanently disabled” voters of the District and any questions regarding these rights should be directed to the Clerk of the Board.
The Education Law also makes special provisions for absentee voting for “military” voters of the District. Specifically, the law provides a unique procedure for “military ballots” in school district votes. Whereas early mail and absentee ballot applications and early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the voter by mail or in person, a military voter may elect to receive his/her absentee ballot application and absentee ballot by mail, email or facsimile. The military voter must, however, return his/her original military ballot application and military ballot by mail or in person. The Clerk of the Board shall transmit the military voter’s military ballot in accordance with the military voter’s preferred method of transmission not later than 25 days before the vote, April 25, 2025. The Clerk of the Board must then receive the military voter’s military ballot by mail or in person not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote in said annual vote and election. A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen (18) years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the annual vote and election. The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law section 2018-c. Such form may include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a redacted tax return or any identification containing the person’s physical address. Upon offer of proof of residency, the School District may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name and address.
Dated: March 27, 2025
Rebecca J. Smith, District Clerk
Fort Plain Central School District
Run Dates: April 4, 2025
April 16, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 17, 2025
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.