Category: Archive
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.
Amy Bartholomew appointed as Harry Hoag Principal
On Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Amy Bartholomew to the position of principal of Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Amy Bartholomew has been working as the Acting Principal of Harry Hoag since July 2024. Her recent completion of a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership allowed the board to consider making her appointment as the elementary school’s principal permanent.
“It has been a pleasure to mentor such a wonderful, qualified leadership candidate,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “Throughout the fall, while completing her administrative internship, Mrs. Bartholomew led Harry Hoag as its acting principal with integrity and demonstrated that she had the competencies required of a school building leader. The Board of Education and I are excited to officially announce her appointment to the role of Elementary Principal. Harry Hoag students and faculty are in good hands.”
“I am incredibly honored to officially step into the role of Elementary Principal at Harry Hoag,” added Amy Bartholomew. “Being able to serve in the community where I grew up is truly a privilege, and I’m deeply grateful to the Board of Education and Superintendent Crisman for their trust in me.”
“The past several months have been a truly rewarding experience. I am so fortunate to work alongside the best teachers and staff who are so dedicated to our students’ success,” Bartholomew continued. “As someone who has known many of our families for years, it’s especially meaningful to strengthen these close relationships. The work we’re doing together is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead to ensure every child has the chance to thrive in a nurturing, supportive environment.”
Merger Feasibility Study update, upcoming “straw vote” set
Dear Community Members,
At the Jan. 16, 2025 joint Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Board of Education Meeting, action was taken to continue to seek community input regarding a potential school merger.
Both communities will now hold a non-binding Straw Vote on March 6, 2025 to learn if there is community support for a merger.
Additional details will be forthcoming about the time and location for voting.
Learn more about the Merger Feasibility Study at upcoming forums
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to participate in one of several community forums 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.
Forum dates and locations
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Fort Plain/Harry Hoag Elementary School Cafeteria
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Cafeteria
- 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.
We encourage everyone — parents, students, teachers, staff and community members — to attend one of the forums.
Join the conversation about the Merger Feasibility Study
We have launched a final ThoughtExchange to learn more about the community reactions to the Feasibility Study and the potential merger.
Please follow this link to participate in the ThoughtExchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/745964927
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Merger Feasibility Study report and resources
During 2024, Fort Plain CSD engaged in a Feasibility Study to examine the long term sustainability of our district, as well as the possible benefits and challenges associated with potentially merging with Canajoharie CSD.
Local school teams in collaboration with the consultants for the study carefully analyzed critical data points including operational efficiencies, financial records, and student performance and program data.
Using that data, the consultants compiled a comprehensive report that is now available for review.