Merger Information and Resources

Overview

In September 2025, the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Boards of Education agreed to continue exploring a possible merger between the two districts, based on a recommendation from the CFP Development Panel.

Because both districts have remained actively involved in the process—through committees, focus groups, and community outreach—the New York State Department of Education has approved the continued use of the 2024 feasibility study and has authorized a revote on the merger proposal in June 2026.

Focus Teams: Community Members at Work

Focus Teams met on Jan. 7, 2026 to begin in-depth discussions about a possible merger or additional shared services between Fort Plain and Canajoharie Schools.

Currently, about 35 community members are serving on these teams. They will continue meeting over the next few months to gather information and shape recommendations for the future of our schools.

Upcoming Meetings

Community residents are welcome to attend an upcoming meeting:

● Operational Planning—facilities, transportation, and finances – Jan. 29 – 5 p.m., Canajoharie High School Conference Room

● Educational Programming—student opportunities and curriculum – Feb. 24 – 6 p.m., Canajoharie Middle School

● Cultural Integration—honoring both district communities – Feb. 4 – 5:30 p.m., Canajoharie High School

● Staff-Centered Transition—supporting our staff through a merger – March 2 – 3:15 p.m., East Hill Elementary

● Student-Centered Transition—supporting our students through a merger – March 2 – 3:30 p.m., Canajoharie High School

Mark your calendar: Straw Poll and Binding Vote

Straw Vote (Advisory Referendum): Wednesday, June 4, 2026 This non-binding vote will assess the community’s support for the merger proposal before proceeding to the final vote.

Binding Referendum (Final Vote): Wednesday, July 29, 2026 If the binding merger vote passes, the merged district would officially begin operation for the 2027-2028 school year.

History

The Canajoharie and Fort Plain central school districts conducted a merger study in 2024. Community forums, online surveys, targeted conversations with stakeholders, data collection and more informed the study’s creation and the recommendations made.

The study began in June of 2024 and culminated in January 2025 with a presentation of the findings to the communities. The study was the first required step.

View the final Feasibility Study Report – released Jan. 8, 2025.

Advisory committee meetings were held between August and December 2024. This committee was made up of members of both boards and the general public.

In January 2025, the boards of education jointly decided the process should move forward after reviewing the study.

On March 6, 2025, residents in the Canajoharie and Fort Plain central school districts voted against the merger in an advisory referendum/straw poll vote.

The measure was rejected with a vote of 318 to 286 in Canajoharie and 206 to 191 in Fort Plain.

The CFP Development Panel was established in June 2024 to consider the study’s recommendations with an eye toward whether the districts should consider pursuing the process. Looming fiscal constraints from the state and federal governments, continued loss of programming and challenges in attracting qualified applicants for employment, coupled with the close vote in both districts in March 2025, guided the decision to reconsider the potential merger.