Category: District News
Voters approve 2025-26 Fort Plain school budget
Fort Plain Central School District residents voted on May 20, 2025 to approve a $24,000,000 budget for the 2025-26 school year by a vote of 136 to 24.
Bus Proposition
Voters also approved a referendum by a vote of 127 to 32 authorizing the district to purchase three school buses/vehicles at a cost not to exceed $400,000. These funds will be drawn from reserve funds. The purchase will have no impact on the tax levy.
Board of Education Election
Additionally, voters elected Kaitlyn Webb (115 votes) to fill one of two vacancies on the Board of Education.
Write-in candidates for the second open seat on the board and the number of votes they received are:
- Eunice Douglas (25 votes)
- Janine Brown (18 votes)
- Jamie Bunker (11 votes)
The write-in candidates will now be contacted by the district beginning with the person who received the highest number of votes to confirm their acceptance of the election and willingness to serve on the board of education.
Additional information on the successful candidate of this write-in vote will be forthcoming.
Both successful candidates will serve three-year terms that begin on July 1, 2025.
Congratulations to our 2025 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 15 ceremony.
Senior NHS members and leaders Nathan Benson, Yunis Demir, Jed Douglas, Ashlynn Hart, Vienna Jackson, Payton Landry and Adriyanna Rouse, as well as faculty advisor, Kolbe Gray, helped lead the ceremony.
2025 National Honor Society Inductees
Students are inducted in the National Honor Society based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character. Join us in congratulating:
- Jordan Brown
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Emma Cook
- McKenna Karker
- Dylan Keane
- Jasmine Lapi
- Constance Narzymski
- Talyor Potter
Fort Plain’s chapter of the National Honor Society was chartered in 1954.
Apply now: Class of 2025 Scholarships
The deadlines are nearing to apply for a host of scholarships being offered to the Class of 2025.
Graduating seniors and their families are encouraged to review the criteria for these scholarships and make application.
Please contact Fort Plain High School Counselor Elliott Cohen at 518-993-4000 ext. 2129 with questions or for more information.
Class of 2025 Scholarships
Fort Plain Scholarship Association Award
A series of awards and scholarships sponsored by the Fort Plain Scholarship Association are available to graduating seniors based on various criteria, including scholarship and financial need. Students do not need to be planning to attend college to apply.
All students in the Fort Plain Class of 2025 are encouraged to apply by completing the Fort Plain Scholarship Association application.
Application due date: May 30, 2025
View the Fort Plain Scholarship Association scholarship application.
Bo M. Baker Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to graduating seniors who have been two-sport athletes (one needs to have been baseball or softball).
This scholarship will be awarded to students who have demonstrated love for the game, dedication on and off the field, and who coaches and teammates would say gives 110% all the time.
Recipients will be selected based on an application including a student essay (250 words) and (1) letter of recommendation.
Application due date: May 16, 2025
Bo M. Baker Memorial Scholarship application.
William G. Cutspec Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be given to two graduating seniors (one male and one
female) to help with college expenses.
This scholarship will be awarded to two-sport student athletes based on an outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, motivation and ability. These qualities have been determined by the Cutspec family to reflect the personality embodied by Mr. Cutspec.
Application due date: May 30, 2025
View the William G. Cutspec Memorial Scholarship application.
George Duffy Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students who are planning on studying for a career in the medical field in college.
Recipient will be selected based on (2) letters of recommendations, student’s high school transcript; college acceptance letter, financial need (including a review of student’s the awarded college financial package.)
Application due date: May 30, 2025
View the George Duffy Foundation scholarship application.
Floyd J. Reinhart Memorial Scholarship
Available to graduating seniors who will be attending college or trade school.
This scholarship will be awarded to a student graduating in 2025 from Canajoharie, Fort Plain or Oppenheim Ephratah-St. Johnsville High School.
Recipient will be selected based on scholastic ranking/standing in class, standardized test scores, involvement in community/school activities, financial need and (2) letters of recommendation.
Application due date: May 30, 2025
View the Floyd J. Reinhart Memorial Scholarship application.
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
Top Ten Video
Watch a video in tribute to our Fort Plain Class of 2025 Top Ten Seniors.
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.
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.
Jada-Lynn Adair
Tucker Bailey
Nathan Benson
Zachary Briggs
Brooke Brown
Brian Burgess
Gabriella Calhoun
Dakota Cooper
Kaedence David
Yunus Demir
Dakota Dodson
James “Jed” Douglas
Alexander Ellis
Kaylie Field
Cris-John “CJ” Fuhs
Kaleb Gallt
Shawn Gutermuth
Country Hammond
Ashlynn Hart
Mariah Hinkle
Vienna Jackson
Serenity Johnson
JulieAnn Kirby
Christian Krulczyk
Payton Landry
Jasmine Lupi
Katie LeRoy
Damien Massie
Morgan McArthur
Cameron Mussey
William Ponte Jr.
Xavier Rivera
Joshua Rivera
Nevaeh Rivers
Emily Rood
Adriyanna Rouse
Aiden “Ace” Roy
Bryce Rumrill
Chloee St. Louis
Brandon Schuyler
Caleigh Snell
Maiya Sousa
Jazmen Stone
Madison Stuart
Taven Tamsett
Chase Tyler
Calen Van Alstine
Kierra VanNostrand
Breidyn Wall
Dustin Welch
Alexis Woodcock
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.
Jr./Sr. High School third quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2024-25 third 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
- Tucker Bailey
- Mariah Deese
- Morgan McArthur
- Maiya Sousa
- Dustin Welch
- Alexis Woodcock
Grade 11
- Alexis Buley
- Madison Clayburn
- Traeh Compton
- Michael Dinehart Jr.
- Breyanna Gilot
- Jordynn Gomez
- Natashia Hammond
- Kimberly Kirby
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Grace McFee
- Devannan Ragoo
- Morgan Stock
- Jayde TenEyck
Grade 10
- Genavive Bathrick
- Faith Clark
- Teegan Compton
- Jeremy Gebhardt
- Lyllie Handy
- Ariana Nemeth
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Kendra Sackett
- Jordan Thackrah
Grade 9
- Blake Battisti
- Dio Callan
- Violet Handy
- Sedona Horning
- Paige Lochner
- Damion Rathanum
- Sawyer Raymond
- Jasmine Rumrill
- Jacob Rush
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Zachary Walsh
Grade 8
- Laura Atkins
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Joshua LaQuee
- Shawn Millett
- Hailee Moore
- Gabriella Peters
- Karson Rhodes
- Trent Richards
- Giavanna Suiter
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 7
- Brantlee Brownell
- Aubree Childs
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Giovani DeMayo
- Isabella Hearn
- Amarha Herring
- Piper Kretser
- Russhell Leverock
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Julian President
- Dante Santiago
- Charlotte Thomas
- Ziva Yerdon
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Nathan Benson
- Zachary Briggs
- Jordan Brown
- Gabriella Calhoun
- Dakota Cooper
- Yunus Demir
- James Douglas
- Alexander Ellis
- Kaylie Field
- Cris-John Fuhs
- Ashlynn Hart
- Vienna Jackson
- Serenity Johnson
- Christian Krulczyk
- Payton Landry
- Jasmine Lapi
- Katie LeRoy
- Damien Massie
- Xavier Rivera
- Nevaeh Rivers
- Adriyanna Rouse
- Aiden Roy
- Brandon Schuyler
- Chase Tyler
Grade 11
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Emma Cook
- Noah Fonda
- Isis Hammond
- Koby Herron
- McKenna Karker
- Dylan Keane
- Draik Millett
- Kyera Murray
- Constance Narzymski
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Joseph Smith
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 10
- Jordyn Best
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Isabella Fountain
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Hailey Hayes
- Brooke Jones
- Lilly Lapi
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Landon VanGorder
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 9
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Jordan Gallt
- Brianne Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Lincoln Kretser
- Blake Lapi
- George Mang
- Cristopher Quiroz-Romero
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Evan Weaver
Grade 8
- Halleli Brackett
- Alyvia Castellano
- Lexis Downes
- Justin Hisert
- Khloe Hisert
- McKenna Hisert
- Madden Lathers
- Jazmain Leonard
- Connor Lochner
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Jack Parkinson
- Isaac Passero
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Gregory Simons
- Jaymes Smith
- Anna-Belle Snyder
- Gavin Souza
- Kiana Tyler
- Jordan Williams II
Grade 7
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Milo Clark
- Sienna Dean
- Arianna Eells
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Jacob LaQuee
- Claudia Maring
- Aishwarya Murray
- Mara Poultney
- Ethan Shostek
- Noah Smith
- Gavin Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb