Category: District News
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Doris Hisert
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Doris Hisert, a long-time and dedicated member of our school district team.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
View a tribute to Doris Hisert and learn more about her life and experiences.
2025-26 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election – May 20
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 is the date of the 2025-26 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election.
Voting will take place in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!
Proposed 2025-26 school budget – at a glance
Proposed Budget: $24,000,000
Increase from 2024-25 budget: $156,000 / 0.65%
Tax Levy Increase: $60,328 / 1.00%
Learn more about the proposed 2025-26 school budget.
View the 2025-26 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 21, 2024 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 2025-26 budget, the community will vote on the following:
Proposition 2: Bus Purchase
Residents will be asked to consider the purchase of three buses for approximately $400,000. This will be paid for with reserve funds and will have no impact on the 2025-26 tax levy. The district is eligible for roughly 90% reimbursement for these vehicle purchases through state school transportation aid.
Board of Education Election
Residents will vote to elect two members to the Fort Plain Board of Education to serve two three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028.
Kaitlyn Webb is the single candidate running for these open seats; the other term will be filled through write-in vote.
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
- Behavior Support Specialist
- English Teacher
- Physical Education Teacher – Elementary
- Science Teacher – Jr./Sr. High School
- Spanish Teacher
- Special Education Teachers
Non-Instructional
- Clerk Typist (11-months)
- 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.
Fort Plain Class of 2025 – Top 10 Seniors
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School has named the Top 10 students of the Class of 2025. Congratulations to each of these students on their many accomplishments:
- James “Jed” Douglas—Valedictorian
- Payton Landry—Salutatorian
- Chase Tyler
- Ashlynn Hart
- Yunus Demir
- Adriyanna Rouse
- Vienna Jackson
- Jasmine Lapi
- Nathan Benson
- Dakota Cooper
2025 Board of Education election and candidates
The 2025-26 school budget vote will be held on May 20, 2025 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library. At that time, district residents will also vote on two open seats on the school board.
The elected board members will each serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2025.
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.
2025 Board of Education Candidates
Kaitlyn Webb is the single candidate in this election; the other open board seat will be filled through write-in vote.
Kaitlyn Webb
Kaitlyn Webb is running for a second, three year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.
“I am a mom, volunteer soccer coach, and a 14-year resident of Fort Plain. I have three children enrolled in the FPCS. I’m running for school board because our district’s children deserve the best opportunities for success that we can offer them.
My background in business analytics will allow me to evaluate and direct the district’s efforts, ask the difficult questions, and seek the answers sought by all residents.
By collaborating openly with parents, teachers, students, and our Board, I will work to increase communication and community involvement for the benefit of all.”
Emergency day giveback and Memorial Day holiday, May 23-27
School will be closed from Friday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 27.
These days reflect the return of two unused 2024-25 emergency days and the Memorial Day holiday.
School will be back in session on Wednesday, May 28.
2025-26 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration now open
Registration is now open for the district’s 2025-26 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs.
Registration for pre-kindergarten
Pre-kindergarten (pre-K) is a full-day program offered at Harry Hoag Elementary School. Children must be four years old on or before December 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.
The district has 36 pre-K spots available for the 2025-26 school year. If interest exceeds 36, the district will conduct a random lottery drawing on the second Thursday in July to determine who will be able to attend. Parents/guardians will be notified in writing of their child’s enrollment status after the day of the lottery.
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.
Registration for kindergarten
Kindergarten is a full-day program at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Children must be five years old on or before December 1 of the school year they are being registered for, and they must be residents of the Fort Plain Central School District.
Children who are currently enrolled in pre-K at Harry Hoag Elementary School will be automatically enrolled into kindergarten. No further action is required. Students who have not attended pre-K at Fort Plain or have not previously lived in the district must register for kindergarten.
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration packets
Registration packets for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are available by contacting Jennifer Ruszkowski at jennifer.ruszkowski@fortplain.org or (518) 993-4000, ext. 3059.
Learn more about the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration process.
May 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-K through high school.
Fat-free and low-fat white and chocolate milk served daily.
Fruit served daily. May include: fresh, canned, dried (raisins) or juice.
May 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Harry Hoag Elementary—Breakfast | Lunch
Jr./Sr. High School—Breakfast | Lunch
Pre-K
Breakfast
Thursday, May 1 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 2 – Yogurt, Whole Grain Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 5 – Breakfast Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 6 – Waffle Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 7 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 8 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 9 – Egg Patty, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 12 – Banana Muffin Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 13 – Pancakes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 14 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 15 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 16 – Cheese Omelet, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 19 – Blueberry Muffin, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 20 – French Toast Sticks, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 21 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 22 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 23 – No School
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – No School
Tuesday, May 27 – No School
Wednesday, May 28 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 29 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 30 – Egg Patty, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Thursday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Club, Celery Sticks w/Dip, Assorted Fruit
Friday, May 2 – Breakfast 4 Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Tater Tots, Applesauce, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 5 – Popcorn Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 6 – Hot Dog, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 7 – Ham & Cheese Sandwch, Smile Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 8 – Meatball Sub, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 9 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, May 12 – Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 13 – Loaded Nachos, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 14 – BBQ Cheeseburger, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 15 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 16 – Chicken Patty, Baby Carrots w/Ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, May 19 – Pizza, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 20 – Corn Dog, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 21 – Turkey Club, Tomato Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 22 – Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 23 – No School
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – No School
Tuesday, May 27 – No School
Wednesday, May 28 – Chicken Nuggets, Cornbread, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 29 – Assorted Subs, Vegetable Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 30 – Breakfast 4 Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice
Elementary
Breakfast
Thursday, May 1 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 2 – Yogurt, Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 5 – Breakfast Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 6 – Waffle Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 7 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 8 – Whole Grain Baked Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 9 – Egg Patty, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 12 – Assorted Whole Grain Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 13 – Pancakes, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 14 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 15 – French Toast Tornado, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 16 – Cheese Omelet, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 19 – Assorted Whole Grain Muffins Assorted Fruit Choice
100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 20 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 21 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 22 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 23 – No School
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – No School
Tuesday, May 27 – No School
Wednesday, May 28 – Cereal, Whole Grain Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 29 – Whole Grain Baked Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 30 – Egg Patty, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Thursday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Club, Cheese Crackers, Celery Sticks w/Dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 2 – Breakfast 4 Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Tater Tots, Applesauce, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 5 – Popcorn Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 6 – Hot Dog, Soft Pretzel, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 7 – Ham & Cheese Sandwch, Smile Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 8 – Meatball Sub, Baked Lays, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 9 – Bacon Cheeseburger, SunChips, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, May 12 – Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 13 – Loaded Nachos, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Ice Cream
Wednesday, May 14 – BBQ Cheeseburger, Sweet Potato Fries, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 15 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Breadstick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 16 – Chicken Patty, Cheese Popcorn, Baby Carrots w/Ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, May 19 – Pizza, Cheese Stick, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 20 – Corn Dog, Cheetos, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 21 – Turkey Club, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 22 – Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 23 – No School
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – No School
Tuesday, May 27 – No School
Wednesday, May 28 – Chicken Nuggets, Cornbread, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 29 – Assorted Subs, Vegetable Soup, Baked Lays, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 30 – Breakfast 4 Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Jr./Sr. High School
Breakfast
Thursday, May 1 – Whole Grain Donuts, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 2 – Yogurt, Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 5 – Breakfast Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 6 – Waffle Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 7 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 8 – Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 9 – Cheese Omelet, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 12 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 13 – Pancakes, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 14 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 15 – Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted, Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 16 – Breakfast Tornado, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, May 19 – Assorted Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 20 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, May 21 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 22 – Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 23 – No School
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – No School
Tuesday, May 27 – No School
Wednesday, May 28 – Cereal, Whole Grain Muffin Top, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 29 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 30 – Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Thursday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Club, Cheese Crackers, Celery Sticks w/Dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 2 – A Little Bit of Everything Day! A couple of entrée choices, a mix of french fries, veg/fruit
Monday, May 5 – Popcorn Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 6 – Hot Dog, Soft Pretzel, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 7 – Breakfast 4 Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Tater Tots, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 8 – Meatball Sub, Baked Lays, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 9 – Bacon Cheeseburger, SunChips, Cooked Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, May 12 – Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 13 – Loaded Nachos, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Ice Cream
Wednesday, May 14 – BBQ Cheeseburger, Onion Rings, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 15 – Broccoli Cheese Soup, Breadstick, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 16 – Chicken Patty, Cheese Popcorn, Baby Carrots w/Ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, May 19 – Pizza, Cheese Stick, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, May 20 – Turkey Club, Cheetos, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, May 21 – Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Baby Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 22 – Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 23 – No School
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – No School
Tuesday, May 27 – No School
Wednesday, May 28 – Chicken Nuggets, Cornbread, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 29 – Assorted Subs, Vegetable Soup, Baked Lays, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 30 – Breakfast 4 Lunch: French Toast Sticks, Breakfast Potatoes, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Class of 2025 Senior Spotlights
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2025 with our Senior Spotlight!
Our senior class will be showcased here, on social media and on the digital display and morning announcements at the high school.
Thank you to the students in our high school Multimedia Class for their work preparing this year’s spotlights of our seniors.
Tucker Bailey
Nathan Benson
Zachary Briggs
Brooke Brown
Gabriella Calhoun
Dakota Cooper
Kaedence David
Yunus Demir
Dakota Dodson
James “Jed” Douglas
Alexander Ellis
Kaylie Field
Cris-John “CJ” Fuhs
Kaleb Gallt
Country Hammond
Shawn Gutermuth
Ashlynn Hart
Mariah Hinkle
Vienna Jackson
Serenity Johnson
JulieAnn Kirby
Christian Krulczyk
Payton Landry
Jasmine Lupi
Katie LeRoy
Damien Massie
2025-26 school budget development
The school budget is the biggest investment the community collectively makes with its tax dollars. District leaders work to make the most thoughtful and effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner and to be accountable to taxpayers.
Updates and resources related to the 2025-26 budget process will be added to the Budget section of the website as they become available.
School Budget Vote – May 20, 2025
Each spring, the board of education adopts a budget for the coming school year for a community vote. New York state has designated the third Tuesday in May as the date for school budget votes.
This year, the school budget vote and board of education election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The vote will be held at the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!
Board of Education adopts proposed 2025-26 proposed budget
During its regular meeting on April 10, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a proposed $24,000,000 budget for the 2025-26 school year.
The school budget represents an increase in spending of $156,000 or 0.65% over the current year budget. The spending plan will allow the district to maintain all current academic programs and personnel, and will provide for additional supports and learning opportunities for students.
Under this proposal, the tax levy would increase by 1.00%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap of 5.15%. Because the tax levy increase remains below the district’s allowable limit, as determined by the state’s tax “cap” formula, a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) is needed to pass the budget.
Opportunities to learn about the school budget
Since the start of the year, district administration and the Board of Education have been at work developing a budget for the 2025-26 school year. The goal is to maximize the district’s resources to create a fiscally responsible budget for the district’s academic, athletic and extracurricular programs and essential services in order to meet students’ needs.
- Public Hearing – Proposed 2025-26 Budget—Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6 p.m., District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY.
Early Voting/Absentee Ballots
Early voting/absentee ballot applications may be obtained from the District Clerk, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Completed applications for ballots must be returned to the District Clerk at least seven days before the vote and election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the vote and election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.
Early/absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 20, 2025, the day of this year’s vote.