Tag: proposed merger
Fort Plain and Canajoharie boards agree to continue to pursue potential merger
Dear Families,
We would like to share an important update regarding the future of our school community. After careful discussion and collaboration, both the Fort Plain and the Canajoharie Central School District Boards of Education have agreed to continue their pursuit of a potential district merger. After receiving further clarification from NYSED, we learned our recent merger study is still in effect. 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 last spring, guided the decision of the CFP Development Panel and Boards of Education.
As part of this process, both Boards will move forward with holding a straw poll vote in each community. This non-binding vote will give residents the opportunity to express their opinion on whether the merger should proceed to a binding public referendum.
We understand that this is a significant decision for our districts, and we are committed to ensuring that families, staff, and community members are well-informed every step of the way. Your voice and involvement are essential as we explore what is best for the future of our students and communities. We encourage you to stay engaged, ask questions, and participate in upcoming conversations.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fort Plain and Canajoharie Central School Districts. You will be hearing from us soon regarding the next steps in the process.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karen Geelan
Interim Superintendent of Schools, Fort Plain Central School District
Dr. Nick Fitzgerald
Superintendent of Schools, Canajoharie Central School District
Canajoharie and Fort Plain residents vote against merger in straw poll
On Thursday, March 6, 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 boards of education now have one year to revisit the question of a merger and put the question to the community for a revote if they choose to do so. After that time, a new study would be needed if the districts wish to reconsider a potential merger.
Canajoharie Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald and Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman wish to thank all who voted in the straw poll. They also thank the districts’ boards of education, members of the Merger Advisory Committee and members of the two communities who gave generously of their time and thoughtful input during merger study meetings, in surveys and during forums on the potential merger.
Despite the outcome of the poll, the superintendents said the merger study and community feedback throughout the process have provided input that will be valuable as the districts continue to look for ways to work together for the betterment of their students.
Straw Poll Vote on proposed merger, Thursday, March 6
We continue to seek community input regarding a proposed merger of the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts.
A non-binding Straw Poll Vote is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 6.
Fort Plain residents can vote from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library. Please bring proof of age and residency to the poll.