Category: District News
Board of Education appoints Amy Bartholomew as next Superintendent of Schools
The Fort Plain Central School District Board of Education has announced the appointment of Amy Bartholomew as the district’s next superintendent.
Bartholomew, who is currently the principal of Harry Hoag Elementary School, was appointed at a special Board meeting on June 23 and will begin as the district superintendent on July 1.
The Board of Education invites the community to join in welcoming Superintendent Amy Bartholomew as she begins this important new chapter of service to the Fort Plain Central School District.
“I am truly humbled and deeply grateful to be selected to serve as the next superintendent of Fort Plain Central School District,” said Bartholomew. “Fort Plain has shaped both my personal and professional life, and I understand the responsibility that comes with leading a district that means so much to this community. I am honored by the trust the Board of Education has placed in me and fully committed to serving our students, staff, families, and community with integrity and dedication.”
Amy Bartholomew, a graduate of Fort Plain High School and a lifelong resident of our community, brings over two decades of dedicated experience in education and a strong personal understanding of the district she will now lead.
“The Board of Education believes Mrs. Bartholomew is the ideal superintendent to begin leading Fort Plain in a positive and impactful direction,” said Sara McDuffee, President of the Fort Plain Board of Education. “With over 25 years of educational experience, most of those being right here in her home district, Mrs. Bartholomew has experienced and understands both the growing needs and the incredible assets of our community. Her dedication to our students makes her the ideal choice to guide our schools into the future.”
The decision to appoint Bartholomew as superintendent was made after deep consideration by the Board of Education.
“We have experienced tremendous change and transition over the last several years in our district leadership. There were many directions we could have gone in for our next district leader, but all roads kept leading us back to Mrs. Bartholomew,” said McDuffee. “The Board is confident that she will be the steady and consistent leader that our community desires and needs as we move forward.”
About Superintendent Amy Bartholomew
Bartholomew holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and special education from Syracuse University, a Master of Science degree in reading from the University at Albany and a Certificate of Advanced Study in educational leadership from Binghamton University. She holds various professional certifications, including Elementary Education (PK-6), Special Education (Birth-12), School Building Leader (SBL), and School District Leader (SDL).
Of her 25 years in education, Bartholomew has spent 20 serving the Fort Plain Central School District at Harry Hoag Elementary School. Her career has included work with students from prekindergarten through sixth grade in both general education and special education roles. That range of experience has shaped the way she understands student needs, supports staff, and approaches leadership at both the classroom and building levels. In 2024, she was named building principal of Harry Hoag Elementary School.
“Fort Plain is not just where I work. It is where I was born and raised, where I live today, and where I have built my life,” said Bartholomew. “That makes this work deeply personal to me. As superintendent, I will lead with the same values that have guided me throughout my career and my life: a strong work ethic, honesty, thoughtful listening, and a commitment to keeping students at the center of every decision.”
In her new role, Bartholomew plans to take a thoughtful and collaborative approach to district leadership, with attention to both the daily operations of the school system and the long-term planning needed to support continued growth. She will focus on understanding needs across the district, supporting effective practices already in place, and identifying opportunities to strengthen programs, services, and systems for students. Her goal is to help Fort Plain move forward with clarity, consistency, and a shared sense of purpose.
Thank you, Dr. Karen Geelan, for your service to the district
The Board of Education extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Karen Geelan and acknowledges her service during her tenure as the district’s Interim Superintendent. Dr. Geelan has provided consistent leadership and ensured the continuity of district operations throughout this transitional period. As her interim appointment concludes, the Board extends its thanks for her contributions and wishes her well in her future endeavors.
Summer meals for children and teens
Join us for free and nutritious meals
Again this summer, Fort Plain CSD will be a site for free and nutritious meals for all area children and teens, ages 18 and under.
This program is open to all children and teens, regardless of where they live or where they go to school.
Breakfast and lunch will be served in the cafeteria at Harry Hoag Elementary School, Monday – Thursdays, from Monday, July 6 through Thursday, Aug. 6 during these hours:
Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Summer meals will not be served at Harry Hoag Elementary School on Fridays.
View the July and August 2026 summer meals menus.
More information about the summer meals program:
Fort Plain Central School District and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are equal opportunity employers and providers.
Class of 2026 Senior Spotlights
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 with our Senior Spotlights!
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 and to Mrs. Heroth for their work preparing this year’s spotlights of our seniors.
Klayton Bailey
Michael Blowers
Ezra Brown
Alexis Buley
Ian Burns
Josephia Carcasole
Owen Castellano
Isaac Clark
Madison Clayburn
Emma Cook
Michael Dinehart, Jr.
Marcus Dunbar-Eller
Daniel Euler
Noah Fonda
John Fountain
Breyanna Gilot
Jordynn Gomez
Alexander Grant
Isis Hammond
Natashia Hammond
Jacob Herringshaw
Koby Herron
Rachel Kamp
McKenna Karker
Jarrett Kimmel
Kimberly Kirby
Taylor Knoblauch
Devon Lambert
Alexander Lamphere
Macey LeRoy
Jorge Medina
Sonia Medina
Adrian Millett
Draik Millett
John Morrison
Kyera Murray
Constance Narzymski
Autumn Nichols
Makena Nurnberger
Liberty Pipero
Taylor Potter
Devannan Ragoo
Bradley Rumrill
Joseph Smith
Sage Smith
Morgan Stock
Jayde TenEyck
Dawson Tracki
Summer Trumbull
Fort Plain and Canajoharie residents vote against merger in straw poll
On Thursday, June 4, residents in the Fort Plain and Canajoharie central school districts voted against the proposed merger in an advisory referendum/straw poll vote.
The measure was rejected with a vote of 205 to 406 in Fort Plain and 411 to 490 in Canajoharie.
On behalf of the Boards of Education, Fort Plain Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan and Canajoharie Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald wish to thank all who voted in the straw poll. They also thank the members of the CFP Development Panel, the Ambassadors and the Focus Team members of the two communities, who gave generously of their time and their thoughtful input.
“We have learned a great deal through the merger study and gathering of community input. We are confident these insights will help shape new ways for our districts to work together for the benefit of our students,” said Superintendents Fitzgerald and Geelan.
Staff Spotlight: Meet Rachel Heroth – Technology Integration Specialist
Join us in shining a spotlight on the district’s Technology Integration Specialist and grade 7-12 teacher Rachel Heroth.
“Rachel Heroth exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and student-centered educational leader,” said Interim Superintendent Karen Geelan.
“Her experience as a former Director of Technology brings tremendous knowledge and leadership to our district, but what truly sets Rachel apart is her unwavering commitment to people. Whether she is organizing student events, supporting staff or troubleshooting a technology issue at a moment’s notice, Rachel consistently goes above and beyond. Her energy, compassion and willingness to help anyone at any time make her an invaluable part of the Jr./Sr. High School and the entire Fort Plain school community.”
On any given day, you might find Rachel Heroth teaching her seventh graders to write code, troubleshooting a Chromebook that just won’t start, leading our teachers in a deep dive into the state’s computer science standards or helping students launch that week’s edition of FPN News. Or she may be handling something entirely different, but equally essential to our students’ learning and school success.
As the district’s Technology Integration Specialist and teacher of such tech-related coursework as computer science, multimedia and video production, Heroth is an on-the-go and go-to member of our team.
Now in her seventeenth year in k-12 education, and a member of the Fort Plain team since 2021, Rachel says that she wanted to work in education because she loves spending time with kids and watching them develop new ideas and create new things. She also gets a lot of satisfaction from helping people learn.
“I feel happy when I am around the students—they bring a special kind of energy,” Heroth said.
“I think there is so much value in project-based learning and assignments that mean something and are approachable,” she continued. “I loved creating things that were tangible when I was studying business in college. I went into education with the desire to show the kids that this is what education could mean for them, too.”
An example of this sort of learning—and a project Heroth counts as a highlight of her career to date—is the student produced FPN News program.
Since its launch as a school club and subsequent expansion into a for-credit high school course in 2022, FPN News has provided students with hands-on opportunities to report, write, film, direct, and deliver the school’s weekly news and event updates. Along the way, students get to build their communication, design and digital media skills as well as skills such as teamwork, problem solving and time management. It also helps them feel more confident, creative, accepted and part of something bigger than themselves.
“[FPN News] has evolved into something bigger and much more creative than I could have imagined. It has brought so much to our school,” Heroth said. “I have seen so many kids come ‘out of their shells’ in this class and express skills and strengths they haven’t shown in any of their other classes. I didn’t predict this would be what this class would mean for the students.”
“Rachel Heroth is an outstanding educator whose impact can be felt throughout every part of the Fort Plain school community. She is a creative, energetic and innovative leader who consistently goes above and beyond for both students and staff,” said Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Katrina Canallatos. “Rachel has a special ability to build strong relationships with students, making them feel connected, supported and excited to be involved in school. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her talent, leadership and commitment serving our students each day.”
Congratulations to our 2026 National Honor Society inductees
Join us in congratulating our Jr./Sr. High School students who were inducted into the Fort Plain National Honor Society (NHS) at a May 20 ceremony.
Senior NHS members and leaders Josephia Carcasole, Owen Castellano, McKenna Karker, Connie Narzymski and Taylor Potter, as well as faculty advisor, Kolbe Gray, helped lead the ceremony.
2026 National Honor Society Inductees
Students are inducted in the National Honor Society based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character. Join us in congratulating:
- Jordyn Best
- Gami Brackett
- Ian Burns
- Kala Clapper
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Elle Nare
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Brady Spaulding
- Dawson Tracki
- Cheyanne Wall
Fort Plain’s chapter of the National Honor Society was chartered in 1954.
Voters approve 2026-27 School Budget
Fort Plain Central School District residents voted on May 19, 2026 to approve a $24,240,000 budget for the 2026-27 school year by a vote of 228 to 52.
Bus Proposition
Voters also approved a referendum by a vote of 217 to 60 authorizing the district to purchase three (3) gas/diesel school vehicles for approximately $350,000. These funds will be drawn from reserve funds. The purchase will have no impact on the tax levy.
Library Tax Increase
A referendum to allow the Fort Plain Library to increase its annual taxpayer supported appropriation from $100,000 to $125,000 was also approved by a vote of 202 to 77. This proposition is separate from the Fort Plain Central School District’s annual budget and will be raised annually by a tax on taxable property in the school district.
Board of Education Election
Additionally, voters elected David Briggs (227 votes), Janine Brown (163 votes) and David Przestrzelski (149 votes) to fill three vacancies on the Board of Education.
The three successful candidates will serve three-year terms that begin on July 1, 2026.
Lead Testing Notice
On May 15, a notice was sent home with all students about recent drinking water lead testing in the Fort Plain schools. The notice explains the testing process, what was found, and the steps being taken to keep our students and staff safe.
Proper signage has been posted indicating sinks are not for drinking water and are to be used for handwashing only.
Mitigation procedures are underway, and the “kitchen kettle” in the JSHS, which is used infrequently, has been made inoperable pending plumbing replacements. Retesting will be scheduled aftward.
Please contact Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Geelan at at 518-993-4000 with any questions or concerns.
NOTICE TO PARENTS, GUARDIANS and STAFF
Fort Plain Central School District
Lead Testing of School Drinking Water
May 15, 2026
Safe and healthy school environments can foster healthy and successful children. To protect public health, the Public Health Law and New York State Health Department (NYS DOH) regulations require that all public schools test lead levels in water from every outlet that is being used, or could potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found in any water outlet at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter (μg/L), the NYS DOH requires that the school take action to reduce the exposure to lead.
What is “first draw” testing of school drinking water for lead?
The “on-again, off-again” nature of water use at most schools can raise lead levels in school drinking water. Water that remains in pipes overnight, over a weekend, or over vacation periods stays in contact with lead pipes or lead solder and, as a result, could contain higher levels of lead. This is why schools are required to collect a sample after the water has been sitting in the plumbing system for a certain period of time. This “first draw” sample is likely to show higher levels of lead for that outlet than what you would see if you sampled after using the water continuously.
What are the results of the first draw testing?
On May 12, 2026 we received results from Fulmont Laboratories, who tested 22 faucets at Harry Hoag School and 24 faucets at the Junior-Senior High School on April 26, 2026. Two faucets in each school had results exceeding 5 ppb. The Harry Hoag sinks and one of the sinks at the JSHS are being taken out of service, unless an outlet is a sink faucet needed for handwashing. In that case, a sign was posted at the outlet. One faucet at the JSHS will be taken out of service for replacement and then it will be retested.
What are the other sources of lead exposure?
Lead is a metal that has been used for centuries for many purposes, resulting in widespread distribution in the environment. Major sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint in older housing, and lead that built up over decades in soil and dust due to historical use of lead in gasoline, paint, and manufacturing. Lead can also be found in a number of consumer products, including certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, foods, plumbing materials, and cosmetics. Lead seldom occurs naturally in water supplies but drinking water could become a possible source of lead exposure if the building’s plumbing contains lead. The primary source of lead exposure for most children with elevated blood-lead levels is lead-based paint.
Additional Resources
For more information regarding the testing program or sampling results, contact Dr. Geelan at 518-993-4000, or go to our school website: https://www.fortplain.org/district-services/health-services/
For information about lead in school drinking water, go to:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/facplan/LeadTestinginSchoolDrinkingWater.html
For information about NYS DOH Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, go to: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/
Fort Plain Class of 2026 – Top 10 Seniors
Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School has named the Top 10 students of the Class of 2026. Congratulations to each of these students on their many accomplishments:
- McKenna Karker—Valedictorian
- Josephia Carcasole—Salutatorian
- Ian Burns
- Owen Castellano
- Constance Narzymski
- Koby Herron
- Taylor Potter
- Dawson Tracki
- Bradley Rumrill
- Breyanna Gilot
Top 10 Video
Watch a video in tribute to our Fort Plain Class of 2026 Top 10 Seniors.
2026 Board of Education Candidates
The 2026-27 school budget vote will be held on May 19, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library. At that time, district residents will also vote to fill three open seats on the school board.
The elected board members will each serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
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.
2026 Board of Education Candidates
The candidates for the 2026 Board of Education election were asked to share their background information and a statement about why they wish to serve on the Fort Plain Board of Education. Here are their answers:
Janine Brown
Janine Brown is running for a three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.
Janine Brown is a longtime Fort Plain resident and a graduate of Fort Plain schools.
Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:
“Upon graduating from college, I chose to come back and raise a family here with my husband. My child and extended family attend Fort Plain schools, so I care deeply about our district’s future.
I have served as a youth sports coach and currently work as a school counselor, with prior experience at Montgomery County Youth Services. Through these roles I gained firsthand insight into the needs of students, families and schools. I am committed to improving student outcomes, supporting all learners and listening to community perspectives through open, respectful dialogue.”
David Briggs
David Briggs has served as a member of the Fort Plain CSD Board of Education during the 2025-26 school year by appointment of the board. He is running for his first three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.
David Briggs has been a resident of the Village of Fort Plain since 1964 and is a graduate of Fort Plain Schools.
Briggs is a licensed life, property and casualty insurance agent.
He is also a community volunteer, serving on such school district committees as the FPCSD CDEP team and the FPCSD safety committee. He is president of the Yerdon Foundation and board member of the Scholarship Association of Fort Plain. He is also the past president of the Fort Plain Little League and past treasurer of Fort Plain Biddy Basketball.
Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:
“I have always been interested in serving as a volunteer in our school and overall community and appreciate the opportunity to continue as a member of the Fort Plain Board of Education, if elected by the voters in our district.”
David Przestrzelski
David Przestrzelski is running for a fifth three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.
Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:
“I am running for the Board of Education because I like to do things for our community. I believe that our children are our future and I want to do all I can for them. I also like being involved with the district’s budget process and watching our spending and making sure that things are done as efficiently as possible.”
Anthony Crouse
Anthony Crouse is running for a second three-year term on the Fort Plain Board of Education.
He has been a resident of the Village of Fort Plain for the past six years.
Why I am running for the Fort Plain Board of Education:
“I have been a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley and understand the unique obstacles that rural schools have to face each year.
I would love to continue working to make Fort Plain the best school in Montgomery County. With your vote, you will have a board member with 33 years of accounting experience (FYE Inc.) who understands the complexities of a budget and forecasting for the future.
Over the next few months, there will be a lot of tough decisions for the school district (with or without the merger). Having family and friends who are students and employees of the school, I have a vested interest in the success of Fort Plain Central School District. I am committed to using my first three years of experience on the Board to continue making excellent choices for the future of Fort Plain.”