Tag: focus teams

The process of exploring a potential merger between the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts continues to move forward, guided by the CFP Development Panel. This panel has been meeting regularly to discuss key ideas, timelines and next steps as the steering group for this important process.

Focus Teams: shaping the future of the combined district

Important questions about what a merger would mean for our students and community have been raised throughout the recent merger process. As a way of digging into these, we plan to convene a set of focus teams that will include both district representatives, subject area experts and you, the members of our community. By coming together for this work, we believe we can best imagine our future and prepare to meet the interests and needs of our students–independently or as a merged district if that is what our communities choose. These groups will gather detailed information on key topics and prepare recommendations that will position us well to move forward if a merger is approved.

The Focus Teams will address the following areas:

• Cultural Integration: Traditions, celebrations, activities, athletics and mascots.
• Educational Programming: Academic offerings, curriculum, plans for schools and school configuration.
• Operational Planning: Transportation, facility usage and school day schedule.
• Student-Centered Transition: Orientation, mentoring and programs to support students.
• Staff-Centered Transition: Professional development, orientation and staff supports.

Dependent on the outcome of the vote next summer on a potential merger, we will also offer opportunities to be a part of additional focus groups, such as:

• Financial Planning: Long-term financial projections, taxes and current trends/budgets.
• Policy Alignment: Codes of conduct, curriculum requirements, contracts and district policies.

Join a Focus Team

Your voice and expertise are vital to this process. We are inviting all interested community members and school stakeholders to apply to be a part of a Focus Team. This is an opportunity to contribute directly with the planning for our students’ educational experience and success of a merged district, if this is the path the communities choose.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the Google form available here. The first Focus Team meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

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.

We encourage all stakeholders to stay informed and participate in this important process and visit our website for information. We will also be sending monthly updates during that time.