Category: District News
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:
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.
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.”
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.
Change in leadership: A message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Fort Plain Community,
I want to share with you that I will be leaving the district in late August.
It has been an incredible honor to be part of your lives for the past ten years. Getting to know each of you so well has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Serving in this community and supporting your growth and that of our students has filled me with immeasurable pride.
I am deeply grateful for the trust and partnership we have shared over the years. Your dedicated support of our children has been a constant source of motivation for me. My experiences in FPCSD have taught me so much and will surely inform and inspire me in my new leadership role.
Though I am stepping away from the Fort Plain schools, this community and each of you will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been a privilege to work with and on behalf of you all.
The Board of Education will begin working to secure new leadership and updates will be provided as they become available.
With heartfelt fondness,
Lauren Crisman
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
On June 28, the Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Class of 2025 received their diplomas, turned their tassels and walked off the graduation stage and into the next exciting chapters of their lives.
Hundreds of friends, family and community members were on hand to cheer the seniors and their many accomplishments.
Throughout the ceremony, seniors were encouraged to bask in their success, to dream in big ways and to remember to find the joys—big and small—in each day.
Congratulations to our seniors. We’re proud of each of you, Hilltoppers!
Celebrating the Class of 2025
Join us in celebrating our Class of 2025 with our graduation photo album, Top 10 Seniors video, which premiered at graduation, and Senior Spotlights, which were displayed in the high school lobby, shared with our families, highlighted on morning announcements and shared on social media.
Class of 2025 Senior Spotlights
Photo gallery of highlights from the 2025 Fort Plain High School Graduation.
Congratulations to our 2025 National Junior Honor Society inductees
Join us in congratulating the seventh graders who were recently welcomed as provisional members and the eighth graders who were inducted into the Fort Plain National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).
A ceremony for students, family and friends took place on June 2 at the Jr./Sr. High School.
2025 National Junior Honor Society Inductees
Seventh Graders
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Laura Flynn
- Raelynn Fournier
- McKenzie Jones
- Jacob LaQuee
- Timothy Keane
- Piper Kretser
- Claudia Maring
- Aishwarya Murray
- Ethan Shostek
- Adalay Webb
Eighth Graders
- Madden Lathers
- Connor Lochner
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Jack Parkinson
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Gregory Simons
- Jaymes Smith
- Gavin Souza
- Kinley Trumbull
Katrina Canallatos appointed as Jr./Sr. High School Principal
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Katrina Canallatos as Principal of Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School.
Katrina Canallatos has been working as the Acting Principal of the Jr./Sr. High School since January 2025.
“The Board of Education and I are excited to officially announce Katrina Canallatos’ appointment as our Jr./Sr. High School Principal,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “Mrs. Canallatos is a valued member of our school community and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a deep commitment to student success and a clear understanding of our district’s values and goals. Her nine years of experience as a member of our leadership team will serve her well as she continues to honor the traditions of the Fort Plain school district while guiding our school forward. Our students and faculty are in good hands.”
“After nine incredible years as Fort Plain’s Director of Special Education, I’m honored and excited to begin this new chapter as Principal of Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School,” added Katrina Canallatos. “The staff and students here have truly inspired me with their resilience, creativity and heart. My experiences have strengthened my belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive—and I’m committed to fostering a school culture where all learners feel seen, supported and empowered. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead and grow alongside this amazing community.”