Superintendent’s Page
My philosophy and commitment
As superintendent of Fort Plain Central School District, I am committed to being student-centered, learner-focused, results-oriented and community-connected. My philosophy places high value on cultivating systems for communication, collaboration and supporting an academic culture that is focused on teaching and learning. I believe every child can learn and achieve at high levels. Our schools will work to support all students, meet the needs of all learners, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. – John Bishop, Fort Plain Superintendent of Schools
Hilltopper Highlights – News & Happenings from the Superintendent
We are proud of our school community! Read about What’s New, What’s Next and What’s Been in our e-newsletter, Hilltopper Highlights – News & Happenings from the Superintendent:
Connecting with the superintendent
Fort Plain residents are welcome and encouraged to reach out at any time to ask questions, offer ideas or to share information about events and programs that benefit our school community. To reach the superintendent call 518-993-4000, extension 1000, or email the superintendent.
Members of the community are also invited to participate in informal coffees and community conversations with the superintendent and community forums when they are held throughout the year.
Background & bio
John Bishop was appointed superintendent by the Board of Education on March 20, 2020 and began officially serving in his new role in May 2020. He came to Fort Plain from the Averill Park Central School District, where he worked nearly 26 years, most recently as principal of Poestenkill Elementary School.
Bishop previously served the Averill Park school district as an assistant high school principal, athletic director, assistant middle school principal, and special education teacher. He began his career as a special education teacher at Wildwood Programs for before joining the Averill Park District faculty. Bishop also coached sports for several years, including varsity football, varsity and JV girls lacrosse, freshmen girls basketball and JV golf, and he was as a varsity soccer official for 10 years. He also served as president of the Averill Park principals union.
An East Greenbush native, Bishop graduated from Columbia High School and received a bachelor’s degree in special education from the College of St. Rose. He earned his master’s degrees in educational psychology from the State University of New York at Albany and his educational administration certification from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
He lives in Niskayuna with his wife, who is a middle school teacher in South Colonie. They have two children, a son and a daughter who are attending college.