Tag: straw poll vote
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.
Merger Public Forum – February 26
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to learn more about the recent Feasibility Study and the proposed school merger.
Your voices are critical in shaping the direction of this important decision. At the forums you will be able to ask questions and engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of education in our two communities.
Upcoming forum date and location
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6 p.m. Virtual Meeting
Join the virtual meeting at this link.
During these forums, you will:
- Learn about potential opportunities and advantages a merger could provide for students.
- Understand the challenges facing both school districts.
- Be able to ask questions.
Parents, students, teachers, staff and all interested community members are welcome to attend.
Merger Feasibility Study and Vote
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.
The districts plan to hold a Straw Poll vote in June 2026. If a simple majority of voters support the merger, the districts will move forward with a binding referendum vote later that summer.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about the proposed merger
Resources
View the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Merger Update newsletter.