Category: District News
Applications being accepted to fill Board of Education vacancy
The Fort Plain Board of Education is seeking to fill an opening on the board through June 30, 2026. The individual filling this vacancy could then run for a full, three-year term of service during the regular Board of Education election held in May 2026.
Interested individuals should contact Becky Smith, District Clerk, at becky.smith@fortplain.org by Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. to request an in-person interview with the board and district administration.
Board of Education responsibilities and eligibility
The Fort Plain Board of Education develops policies, rules and regulations for the operation of the school district and for the education and well-being of the district’s students.
Any U.S. citizen who has been a resident of the Fort Plain Central School District for 30 days or more is eligible to apply for this seat on the board.
Learn more about the responsibilities and characteristics of a board of education member.
2025-26 welcome letters from our principals
We are looking forward to welcoming our learners back for the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Students kindergarten through Grade 12 will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 3; pre-K students will begin on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Read the 2025-26 welcome letters from Harry Hoag Elementary School’s Principal Amy Bartholomew and Jr/Sr. High School Principal Katrina Canallatos:
September 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-kindergarten through high school.
September 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Menus are subject to change without notice.
The USDA and this institution are equal opportunity employers and providers.
Harry Hoag Elementary School Menus
Pre-K
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Sept. 3
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Bacon, Cheeseburger, Corn, Fruit
Thursday, Sept. 4
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 5
- Breakfast: Eggs & Sausage
- Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 8
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Pasta Salad, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 9
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Corn Dog, Baked Beans, Jello w/mandarins
Wednesday, Sept. 10
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun. Celery Sticks, Strawberries w/cream
Thursday, Sept. 11
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 12
- Breakfast: Blueberry Muffin
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 15
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Garlic Knot, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 16
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Calzone, Green Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 17
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Sept. 18
- Breakfast: Pumpkin Bread
- Lunch: Cheese Filled Pizza Stick, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 19
- Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
- Lunch: Baked Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 22
- Breakfast: Muffin Top
- Ham or Tuna Sub, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 23
- Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
- Lunch: Stuffed Pizza Sandwich, Cheese Stick, Celery Sticks & Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 24
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Breakfast Sandwich, Mini Hashbrowns, Fruit & Juice
Thursday, Sept. 25
- Breakfast: Banana Bread
- Lunch: Pasta with Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 26
- Breakfast: Eggs & Sausage
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 29
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Dinner Roll, Peas & Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 30
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Street Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Banana Muffin
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Cereal
- Lunch: Pizza, Broccoli, Fruit
Elementary
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Daily lunch includes: fruit choice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate lunches: PB&J sandwich or yogurt w/rolls.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Sept. 3
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger, Cheese Crackers, Corn, Fruit
Thursday, Sept. 4
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, MultiGrain SunChips, Baked Beans, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 5
- Breakfast: Eggs & Sausage
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 8
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Pasta Salad, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 9
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Corn Dog, Pasta Salad, Baked Beans, Jello w/mandarins
Wednesday, Sept. 10
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Rice Pilaf, Celery Sticks, Strawberries w/cream
Thursday, Sept. 11
- Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
- Lunch: Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 12
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 15
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Garlic Knot, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 16
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Calzone, Bowties w/marinara, Green Beans, Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 17
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit, Cookie
Thursday, Sept. 18
- Breakfast: Pumpkin Bread
- Lunch: Cheese Filled Pizza Sticks, Buttered Pasta, Tossed Salad, Fruit
Friday, Sept. 19
- Breakfast: Croissant & Omelet
- Lunch: Baked Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 22
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Ham or Tuna Sub, Pretzels, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 23
- Breakfast: Bk: Pancakes & Sausage
- Lunch: Stuffed Pizza Sandwich, Cheese Stick, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 24
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Mini Hashbrowns, Fruit & Juice
Thursday, Sept. 25
- Breakfast: French Toast Bites
- Lunch: Pasta with Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Pudding
Friday, Sept. 26
- Breakfast: Eggs & Sausage
- Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Wrap, Goldfish Crackers, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 29
- Breakfast: Mini Bagel Pack
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Dinner Roll, Peas & Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 30
- Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Street Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, French Fries, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
Jr./Sr. High School
Daily breakfast includes: fruit, juice and low fat and fat-free milk.
Alternate breakfast: yogurt or cereal with graham crackers.
Alternate: build-your-own-lunch at the Fresh Bar. Includes entrée options, grain sides, fresh fruits & vegetables.
Breakfast and Lunch
Wednesday, Sept. 3
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger, Cheese Crackers, Corn & Fruit Choice
Thursday, Sept. 4
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, MultiGrain SunChips, Baked Beans & Fruit
Friday, Sept. 5
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli & Fruit Choice
Monday, Sept. 8
- Breakfast: Whole Grain Donut
- Lunch: Turkey Club, Pasta Salad, Baby Carrots & Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 9
- Breakfast: Tornado/Bk Stick
- Lunch: Corn Dog, Pasta Salad, BBQ Beans, Jello w/oranges
Wednesday, Sept. 10
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Rice Pilaf, Celery Sticks, Strawberries w/cream
Thursday, Sept. 11
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Warm Ham & Cheese Bagel, Smile Fries, Peas & Fruit Choice
Friday, Sept. 12
- Breakfast: Cereal & Granola Bar
- Lunch: Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Broccoli & Fruit Choice
Monday, Sept. 15
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Garlic Knot, Cooked Carrots & Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 16
- Breakfast: French Toast Sticks
- Lunch: Cheese Calzone, Bowties with Marinara, Green Beans & Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 17
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken on a Bun, Baked Beans, Fruit & Cookie
Thursday, Sept. 18
- Breakfast: Pumpkin Bread
- Lunch: Pizza Stick, Buttered Pasta, Tossed Salad & Fruit
Friday, Sept. 19
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Baked Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Fruit Choice
Monday, Sept. 22
- Breakfast: Cereal & Muffin Top
- Lunch: Ham or Tuna Sub, Pretzels, Cooked Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 23
- Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
- Lunch: Pizza Sandwich, Cheese Stick, Celery Sticks, Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 24
- Breakfast: Funnel Cake
- Breakfast Sandwich, Mini Hashbrowns, Fruit & Juice
Thursday, Sept. 25
- Breakfast: French Toast Bites
- Lunch: Pasta with Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit, Pudding
Friday, Sept. 26
- Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich
- Lunch: Turkey Wrap, Goldfish Crackers, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Monday, Sept. 29
- Breakfast: Bagel Bar
- Lunch: Popcorn Chicken, Dinner Roll, Peas & Carrots, Fruit
Tuesday, Sept. 30
- Breakfast: Tornado/Bk Stick
- Lunch: Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Street Corn, Fruit
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Breakfast: Omelet & Sausages
- Lunch: Hot Dog on a Bun, French Fries, BBQ Beans, Fruit
Thursday, Oct. 2
- Breakfast: Muffins
- Lunch: Chicken Patty on a Bun, Chips, Baby Carrots, Fruit
Friday, Oct. 3
- Breakfast: Waffle Dippers
- Lunch: Pizza, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Fruit
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.