Category: District News
Fort Plain CSD Announces Interim Superintendent – Dr. Karen Geelan
The Fort Plain Central School District Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Karen Geelan as Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective Aug. 15, 2025.
Dr. Geelan brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership as an elementary principal, high school principal and as a superintendent of schools. Since retiring, Dr. Geelan has successfully served as interim superintendent in both the Olean City School District and the Greater Johnstown School District.
“Dr. Geelan is adept at leading school communities through periods of transition,” commented David Ziskin, HFM BOCES District Superintendent. “Students are her top priority and she is deeply committed to staff collaboration and community engagement. Dr. Geelan is familiar with our region. During her time in Johnstown, she was a valuable contributor to our regional leadership team as we collectively struggled with the uncertain conditions created by the pandemic.”
As the district transitions following the departure of Superintendent Lauren Crisman, who will be leaving in late August to become the superintendent in the Mount Markham Central School District, the FPCSD Board of Education sought a steady, resolute leader.
“The Board is confident that Karen Geelan’s expertise and thoughtful approach will support our students, staff and families during this important time,” stated Fort Plain Board of Education President Sara McDuffee.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Geelan to the Fort Plain community.
Award honors our talented and hard-working student-athletes
Our high school student-athletes are all-around strong and talented: in the classroom and on the field, track and court.
We are honored to have our students’ accomplishments recognized as a “School of Distinction” for the 2024-25 school year by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA).
The NYSPHSAA School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are designed to unite athletic departments in challenging their student-athletes to achieve a statewide academic honor. Learn more about this year’s award and recipients.
Join our team: Fort Plain CSD is hiring
Good schools make good communities—and are great places to work. Join our awesome Fort Plain Central School District team!
Fort Plain Central School District is hiring:
Instructional
Non-Instructional
- Clerk Typist (11-month)
- Computer Services Coordinator (12-month)
- Regular Run Bus Drivers (part-time, includes both AM and PM runs)
- Teacher Aides
Questions? Please contact the District Office at 518-993-4000, ext. 1000.
Visit our employment page to learn more about working for the Fort Plain Central School District.
Brenna Kirkpatrick appointed as Director of Special Education
In a special meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Brenna Kirkpatrick as the district’s new Director of Special Education.
Prior to this vote, the board accepted Ms. Kirkpatrick’s resignation from the Board of Education, on which she had served since 2023.
Brenna Kirkpatrick, a life-long resident of Fort Plain and graduate of our schools, has worked for the past 14 years as an elementary school and an academic intervention teacher at Herkimer Elementary School/Herkimer CSD. She holds an advanced degree in literacy from UNC-Pembroke, and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from SUNY Fredonia.
“Fort Plain has always been home, and returning to serve as Director of Special Education feels like coming full circle,” said Brenna Kirkpatrick. “As a 2004 graduate and life-long member of this community, I’m honored to take on a role that allows me to give back in such a meaningful way. This opportunity is both personal and professional, a chance to work alongside families and staff to ensure every student is supported, valued and given every opportunity to thrive. I’m excited for the work ahead and committed to helping all learners reach their full potential.”
School supply lists for 2025-26
2025-26 pre-kindergarten registration open
Registration is open for the district’s 2025-26 pre-kindergarten (pre-K) program.
Applications are available at the Harry Hoag Elementary School office. Please contact Jennifer Ruszkowski at 518-993-4000, ext. 3059 for more information.
Fort Plain CSD pre-kindergarten program
Pre-kindergarten (pre-K) is a full-day program offered at Harry Hoag Elementary School. School hours are 7:50 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Pre-K is held Monday through Friday from September through June, following the regular school calendar.
Children must be four years old on or before Dec.1 in order to begin pre-K in the 2025-26 school year. They also must be residents of the Fort Plain Central School District.
Transportation to and from school will be provided by school bus for students who are four years old. Children who begin the school year as a three-year-old must be transported by an adult until they turn four and are eligible to ride the bus per New York state law.
View and download a copy of the 2025-26 Pre-Kindergarten Handbook.
Important Updates: Internet-Enabled Devices Policy and Immunization Requirements
The following updates regarding recent changes in laws and regulations affecting public schools were shared with the Fort Plain school community by Superintendent Lauren Crisman on July 16, 2025.
Distraction-Free School Environments
New York State Governor Hochul has signed legislation into law aimed at establishing a statewide standard for distraction-free school environments. In response, our district is taking steps to align with these new standards.
At the Regular Board of Education Meeting held on July 9, 2025, the Board of Education approved a new policy on the use of Internet-enabled devices during the school day.
“Internet-enabled devices” means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other device capable of connecting to the Internet.
Students are generally prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds, though a limited number of education- and health and safety-related exceptions may be allowed.
View the full Policy 7316 – Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day.
Student Immunization Requirements
New York State Public Health Law §2164 and NYCRR Title 10, Subpart 66-1 require all students attending preK-12 schools to be fully vaccinated. These immunization requirements must be met within 14 days of the first day of school attendance.
Please note: In the past, a confirmed appointment with a healthcare provider was sufficient to meet the requirement temporarily. However, updated guidance from public health authorities no longer allows this practice. Students must now be fully vaccinated before attending school. The only exception is for students transferring from out of state or another country, in which case the window may be extended to no more than 30 days.
Families are encouraged to schedule necessary medical appointments as soon as possible to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions to the start of the student’s school year.
Draft district-wide safety plan available for review
As required by New York State Education Law, Fort Plain CSD maintains a district-wide safety plan.The plan is designed to prevent or minimize the effects of emergencies and violent incidents. It also helps facilitate the coordination of schools and school districts with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies.
The draft of the district-wide safety plan for the 2025-26 school year is available for review here. The Fort Plain Board of Education will consider this as part of its regular meeting on Aug. 13, 2025.
Harry Hoag fourth quarter honor roll and principal’s list
Harry Hoag Elementary School is proud to announce the 2024-25 fourth quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 5
- Zane Bradt
- Abel Clink
- Bryson Dodson
- Jovalee Hisert
- Noah Randall
- Abigail Ryder
- Renesmee Tompkins
- Joseph Walter
- Kayleigh Woodcock
- Troy Zabawczuk
Grade 6
- Lleyton Emrick
- Connor Kelley
- Demora Lawson
- Laken MacNeill
- Wesley Moshier
- Danyel Rankin
- Isabella Shibley
- Kiernan Welch
Principal’s List
Grade 5
- Cecilia Baker
- Shani Brackett
- Ellyana Brown
- Ty Brownell
- Noah Clark
- Aubrey Clayburn
- Nicholas Compton
- Ryelee David
- Gulenar Derhm
- Blaine Dodson
- Dalton Fournier
- Harper Fowler
- Aiden Hardnett
- Corbin Hazzard
- Harlan Heroth
- Maria Hisert
- Maison Houston
- Gulzreen Khalid
- Abel Kretser
- Audrey Krug
- Lailah Lewis
- Livia McDuffee
- Joshua Murphy
- Zannah Poultney
- Tanner Putnam
- Grant Reese
- Tabitha Romanello
- Kobe Skiffington
- Gracie Smith
- Madelyn Thomas
- Samuel Thomas
- Garett Trumbull
- Nevaeh Tyler
Grade 6
- Kayden Trumbull
Kaylee Becker
Zachary Alkinburgh
KataLenah Clapper
Aiden Bunker
Kyle Christman
Quinn Hisert
Lilly Mang
Willow Richards
Audrina Gomez
Isley Ruszkowski
Addison Weaver
Elaena Minarich
Oliver Parkinson
Nauni Fink
Serenity Leverock
Beverly Sherwood
Isabelle Allen
Andres Medina
IvyKate McGuire
Jr./Sr. High School fourth quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2024-25 fourth quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 12
- Eva Marie Cardona Escobar
- Kaedence David
- Mariah Deese
- Alexander Ellis
- Serenity Johnson
- Morgan McArthur
- Bryce Rumrill
Grade 11
- Marcus Dunbar-Eller
- Jordynn Gomez
- Natashia Hammond
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Kyera Murray
- Constance Narzymski
- Morgan Stock
Grade 10
- Jayson Austin
- Jordyn Best
- Isabella Fountain
- Levi Hext
- Brooke Jones
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Ariana Nemeth
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Kendra Sackett
- Landon VanGorder
Grade 9
- Violet Handy
- Sedona Horning
- Damion Rathanum
- Sawyer Raymond
- Jasmine Rumrill
Grade 8
- Alyvia Castellano
- Cameron Cristman
- Yadiel DeLeon
- Lexis Downes
- Khloe Hisert
- Joshua LaQuee
- Jazmain Leonard
- Jack Parkinson
- Gabriella Peters
- Anthony Polidori
- Trent Richards
- Raymond Sangston
- Gregory Simons
- Giavanna Suiter
- Makenna Sweet
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 7
- Brantlee Brownell
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Yadiel DeLeon
- Giovani DeMayo
- Bently Dodson
- Isabella Hearn
- Olivia Jones
- Piper Kretser
- Jacob LaQuee
- Courtney Millett
- Kayden Rouse
- Dante Santiago
- Ethan Shostek
- Rosabella Smith
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Tucker Bailey
- Nathan Benson
- Zachary Briggs
- Jordan Brown
- Gabriella Calhoun
- Dakota Cooper
- Yunus Demir
- James Douglas
- Kaylie Field
- Cris-John Fuhs
- Ashlynn Hart
- Vienna Jackson
- Christian Krulczyk
- Payton Landry
- Jasmine Lapi
- Katie LeRoy
- Damien Massie
- Nevaeh Rivers
- Adriyanna Rouse
- Aiden Roy
- Brandon Schuyler
- Maiya Sousa
- Chase Tyler
- Breidyn Wall
Grade 11
- Alexis Buley
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Madison Clayburn
- Emma Cook
- Breyanna Gilot
- Isis Hammond
- McKenna Karker
- Dylan Keane
- Grace McFee
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 10
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Lyllie Handy
- Hailey Hayes
- Lilly Lapi
- Elle Nare
- Layla Negron
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 9
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Dio Callan
- Logan Carey
- Jordan Gallt
- Brianne Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Lincoln Kretser
- Blake Lapi
- AshLyn Lewis
- Paige Lochner
- George Mang
- Cristopher Quiroz-Romero
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Zachary Walsh
- Evan Weaver
Grade 8
- Halleli Brackett
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Justin Hisert
- McKenna Hisert
- Madden Lathers
- Connor Lochner
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Hailee Moore
- Isaac Passero
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Jaymes Smith
- Anna-Belle Snyder
- Gavin Souza
- Kiana Tyler
Grade 7
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Aubree Childs
- Milo Clark
- Sienna Dean
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Russhell Leverock
- Claudia Maring
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Aishwarya Murray
- Mara Poultney
- Noah Smith
- Gavin Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb