Category: District News
Capital Project vote to be held Oct. 3
On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, the Fort Plain community will vote on a $10,140,000 capital improvement project. If approved, the project will fund needed repairs and improvements inside and out of both Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School. It will also enhance some of our well-used gathering spaces, such as the Jr./Sr. High School auditorium, and provide safer access to our athletic facilities.
Providing each Fort Plain learner with the opportunities, skills and mindset to be successful now and in their future pursuits is at the heart of our mission. Ongoing maintenance and improvement of our facilities is an essential part of fulfilling that mission.
Every learner and community member or organization that uses our facilities will benefit from these improvements.
The vote will be held at Harry Hoag Elementary School (polling in the school library) on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Our teachers and school district leaders believe in the promise of education and feel strongly in creating a learning environment that guarantees each student the opportunity to get what they need from us to pursue a life filled with success and enduring happiness,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman.
“In creating this project, we have been purposeful about what needs to be done to create a more safe and enriching learning environment that will support students now and help prepare them for their futures with no additional cost to local taxpayers.”
Zero tax impact with the use of reserves and bonding
Funding for the cost of this project will be paid for using the district’s reserve fund and bond borrowing (reimbursable through New York State Education Department/NYSED building aid) at no additional impact on local taxpayers.
Breakdown of funding for this project:
- Proposed Capital Project Cost: $10,140,000
- Total from Capital Reserve Fund: $1,180,000
- Bond Borrowing: $8,960,000
Cost to taxpayers: No additional cost to taxpayers. Projections assume a zero tax levy impact.
Proposed project scope
This project contains both needed repairs to enhance the safety and usability of our facilities for all and improvements that will, most directly, impact the learning experience for students and the staff who support them.
The New York State Education Department requires schools to complete a Building Condition Survey every five years in collaboration with a licensed architect. All items included in the project proposal are based on the recommendations of the district’s Building Condition Survey and additional stakeholder surveys.
These and other enhancements, include, but are not limited to:
- Repairs to the carbon monoxide monitors in the bus garage.
- Regrading the fields at the Athletic Complex.
- Reconstruction of the concrete stairs leading to the Jr./Sr. High School entry.
- Masonry reconstruction at the Jr./Sr. High School.
- Updated lighting and sound system installation in the Jr./Sr. High School
auditorium. - Repairs to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the Jr./Sr.
High School. - Repairs and upgrades to the fixtures in the B wing of Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Project timeline
If approved, the design portion of this project work would begin in the spring of 2025 with a goal to have the work approved by late 2025. Planned renovations and construction would begin in the summer of 2026.
Voting information
The vote on this Capital Project, including the use of funds from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund to help pay for this project, will be held at Harry Hoag Elementary School Library on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To vote, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the Fort Plain Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote and not otherwise ineligible.
Absentee ballots
Absentee ballots are available for the Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 Capital Project vote.
Absentee ballots will be issued upon request to residents who will be out of town or unable to vote at the polls due to illness or disability.
Request an absentee ballot by contacting District Clerk Becky Smith at 518-993-4000 ext. 1000.
Absentee ballots that are returned by mail must be received by the district clerk at least seven days before the vote – by Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
Absentee ballots may be picked up and submitted in-person at our District Office until the day before the vote – Wednesday, Oct. 2 by 5 p.m.
Learn more about the proposed capital improvement project
Public Hearing
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, 6 p.m. District Office Conference Room.
Walk-Through
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, 3 – 4 p.m. Meet at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
King + King Architects will lead a guided tour for the public through the various spaces slated for repair and improvement in the proposed capital improvement project.
Childcare for school-age children will be available for those participating with the tour.
Resources
Capital Improvement Project public hearing presentation – Sept. 12, 2024
Legal Notice – Capital Improvement Project Proposition and Vote, Oct. 3, 2024
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Craig Ehle
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Craig Ehle, a graduate of our schools and bus driver for 25 years in our district.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
View the tribute to Craig Ehle and learn about his many interests and life experiences.
2024-25 Food Service updates and monthly menus
The Food Service Department will be pleased to welcome back students on Sept. 4.
Please visit our Food Services page to learn more about school meals at Fort Plain CSD.
We look forward to serving our kids!
Harry Hoag Elementary School
Menus
Students at the Harry Hoag Elementary School are encouraged to check the district’s website to see the September menus. View the monthly menus.
Meal selection
Students will make their lunch choices in their homeroom/first period class.
Snack Shack
The Snack Shack will again be available.
Prices for such items as slushies, savory snacks and fruit snacks will continue to be 50¢
The district will be utilizing a different ice cream vendor this year, which allows us to offer a greater selection of ice cream novelties. The ice cream prices will be 50¢ for cups, 65¢ for bar/stick, and 75¢ for cones.
Students in kindergarten-Grade 2 may only access the Snack Shack on Fridays.
Jr./Sr. High School
Fresh Bar
The Jr/Sr High School has both expanded and simplified our Fresh Bar options. Students will now be able to choose from the “hot lunch” that is listed on the menu, or an alternate “cold” entree. Cold options include: PBJ, tuna or egg salad or turkey sandwich, chef salad, or hummus cup.
All students—whether they select the hot lunch or cold lunch—will then be able to choose from a selection of fresh vegetables and fruits. Each day, all students can also choose an extra snack item or a dessert—packaged so that they can save it for later.
Milk and ice cream options
As always, milk is available as part of the meal. Students can also choose to purchase assorted beverages, snacks, ice cream and slushies. Prices and instructions are located on signage in the Jr./Sr. High School cafeteria.
2024-25 fifth and sixth grade welcome letters
We look forward to the return of our students and start of school for the 2024-25 year on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024.
Fifth and sixth grades at Harry Hoag Elementary School use a departmentalized model to provide instruction. Homeroom groups travel to different classrooms to receive instruction in the core subjects each school day.
The following welcome letters from Harry Hoag Elementary School Acting Principal Amy Bartholomew include grade-level information for fifth and sixth grade:
Free school backpacks available at Harry Hoag
Again this school year, free backpacks filled with school supplies are available for Fort Plain students.
The packs are available at the main office of Harry Hoag Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Thank you to area business Hill & Markes for their generous donation of these colorful packs and supplies.
Sun, fun… and learning!
From virtual camp-outs and volleyball to running and robotics, there was so much fun and enrichment happening this summer in our schools and on our track and fields.
Too, we were once again a site for summer meals for youth—ensuring our students and other area children and teens had the fuel they need for all their summer learning, play and exploration.
It’s great to be a part of year-round learning for our students!
2024-25 welcome letters from our principals
We are looking forward to welcoming our learners back for the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Students kindergarten through Grade 12 will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4; pre-K students will begin on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Read the 2024-25 welcome letters from Harry Hoag Elementary School’s Acting Principal Amy Bartholomew and Jr/Sr. High School Principal Nicholas Comproski:
Feasibility Study advisory committee appointed, focus group signup
Dear Community Members,
On July 30, 2024, both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Boards of Education appointed select applicants to the Advisory Committee for the Feasibility Study.
The following people were appointed:
- Donald Bramer
- Lauri Broady
- Jed Brown
- Jamie Bunker
- Tracey Conover
- Jessica Hecht
- Lindsey Hodge
- Todd Jones
- Sara McDuffee
- Michele Nare
- Laura Pamkowski
- Nadine Paul
- Karlene Peck
- Kyra Powylan
- Patricia Prime
- Samantha Sherwood
- Lori Shults
- Dale Smith
- Neal VanSlyke
- Edward Watt
The charge for all committee members is to:
- fully commit to, and actively support, the study process.
- remain open to learning throughout the process.
- share relevant perspectives and experiences.
- clarify and probe data, information and insights shared by consultants.
- communicate openly, factually, and continuously with the public.
The committee will meet on the following dates (meetings are open to the public):
Aug. 21, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Meeting at Fort Plain CSD, Harry Hoag Elementary School Library Media Center.
Sept. 12, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Oct. 17, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Nov. 14, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Dec. 12, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Meeting at Canajoharie CSD.
Focus group discussions to be held this October
In addition, the focus group discussions related to the Feasibility Study have been rescheduled for October 30, 2024. Focus groups scheduled for this summer were not held due to a low applicant response.
Please apply with the following link if you would like to be considered for participation with a focus group. If you applied previously, please apply again and select a new time and location.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJSh2M2lPK-R3jJiPhlrsh3dUU5N5p2HhzX0w-VEemo64UZw/viewform
Thank you in advance to the volunteers listed above for their willingness to represent the community’s perspectives, ideas and questions.
As always, please reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lauren H. Crisman, Superintendent
Looking toward the 2024-25 school year: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Fort Plain School Community,
I hope this letter finds you refreshed from summer vacation and ready to enjoy an exciting year of learning. We are eagerly awaiting the return of our students!
2024-25 back-to-school information
The first day of school for students kindergarten through Grade 12 is on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Pre-kindergarten begins on Thursday, Sept. 5.
The doors will open in both school buildings at 7:30 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:50 a.m. for Harry Hoag Elementary School and at 7:55 a.m. for the Jr./Sr. High School.
FPCSD proudly welcomes several new faculty and staff members to our school team; be sure to watch the district website for introductions.
Fostering success for all students
Our goal is to prepare every student for success beyond graduation. Our graduates should be able to define what success means to them and feel confident when they leave that they are ready to navigate the dynamic and ever-changing world.
We believe that every child has their own distinct strengths, interests and learning styles. We are dedicated to creating a school experience that honors their individuality.
Improving learning outcomes for all students is one of our district’s enduring goals. Strong school-based intervention systems play a key role in achieving this. Intervention is not a one-time fix but an ongoing process and should be accessible for all.
Throughout the year, the administrative team will regularly assess our current intervention systems to analyze when and what screening tools are used to monitor achievement, what evidence-based practices are used to respond to needs, and how academic progress is reviewed and communicated.
Feasibility Study update
Additionally, the district remains committed to ensuring the responsible use of its fiscal and human resources. The Feasibility Study we are now engaged in with the Canajoharie CSD will include a comprehensive review of how fiscal and human resources are allocated. The results of this analysis will help us chart the best path forward to ensure our students
receive a high quality education and a diverse continuum of other student experiences into the future.
Learn more about the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Feasibility Study to explore a potential merger.
Capital Improvement Project addresses needed work and upgrades
On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 community members will be asked to vote on a Capital Improvement Project. Regardless of the outcome of the Feasibility Study, the district must move forward with efforts to keep our facilities safe and modern. These buildings serve not only school-based programs, but are utilized year-round by many community-based organizations for the enrichment activities they offer youth.
The proposed scope of work includes upgrading electronic systems to promote efficiency and decrease annual costs associated with energy use. It also addresses areas in need of repair or replacement in all of the facilities and on the exterior sites of the campus.
This revised project was prepared in an effort to maximize state aid reimbursement and will not have any impact on the local tax levy.
A public hearing for the proposed project will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 in the District Office Conference Room.
There will also be a community walk-through on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. This will be open to the public and offered by representatives from King + King Architects.
All who are interested in learning more about the proposed project are encouraged to join us at these events. Information regarding both will be posted on the district website in September.
I am excited about the many possibilities that the new school year holds and eager to see our hallways filled with students once again.
Thank you to all for your ongoing support and partnership!
Wishing you well,
Lauren H. Crisman, Superintendent
Welcome Amy Bartholomew, Acting Principal of Harry Hoag
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted to appoint Amy Bartholomew to the position of Acting Principal of Harry Hoag Elementary for the 2024-25 school year.
A longtime teacher at Harry Hoag Elementary, graduate of Fort Plain schools and life-long resident of the community, Amy Bartholomew has a strong commitment to Fort Plain.
“Amy’s breadth of experience and commitment to ensuring that every learner thrives is sure to benefit the students and families in the Harry Hoag community,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “We are pleased to welcome Amy into this new role and to offer this opportunity for her to learn with us and grow as a leader through this principalship.”
About Amy Bartholomew
Amy Bartholomew has taught for more than 22 years, 18 of which have been spent at Fort Plain’s Harry Hoag Elementary. She has taught students pre-K through grade 6, as well as those in special education.
This school year, Bartholomew and her sixth graders launched the “Our Words Matter” project at Harry Hoag Elementary. Students approached Bartholomew with the idea of learning to become strong advocates for their peers, particularly those who may be underrepresented or experiencing hurtful treatment from others. Together, the group worked toward being agents for positive change in the school.
Bartholomew has also lent her support and guidance as a mentor of new teachers for the past 12 years.
Bartholomew holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Reading from the University of Albany. She currently holds an internship certificate, which allows her to function in the capacity of school building leader through the end of the 2024-25 year. Bartholomew is working toward a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Binghamton University, which she will complete this December.
“When I began my transition into administration, my goal and dream was to one day become the principal at Harry Hoag Elementary School,” said Bartholomew. “I am sincerely honored by the opportunity to step into this role and serve the school community as we work together toward our shared goal of creating a safe, welcoming and enriching environment where all of our learners can shine.”