Category: Archive
Capital Improvement Project Walk-Through – Sept. 24
On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, the Fort Plain community will vote on a $10,140,000 capital improvement project. If approved, the project will fund needed repairs and improvements inside and out of both Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School. It will also enhance some of our well-used gathering spaces, such as the Jr./Sr. High School auditorium, and provide safer access to our athletic facilities.
Capital Improvement Project Walk-Through
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, King + King Architects will lead a guided tour for the public through the various spaces slated for repair and improvement in the proposed capital improvement project.
The tour will take place from 3-4 p.m. and begin at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Childcare for school-age children will be available for those participating with the tour.
All interest members of the our community are welcome to attend this walk-though.
Feasibility Study update: A message from Superintendent Crisman
A letter to the Fort Plain CSD community from Superintendent Lauren Crisman:
Dear Community Members,
It’s great to see so many students smiling and to have our learning spaces full of life again. My sincere gratitude to all of our school employees who helped to successfully launch us into the 2024-2025 school year!
This letter is meant to provide you with a progress report regarding the Feasibility Study. The district has created a webpage that will contain all of the related information ranging from notices of meeting dates/times/locations to different reports that have been prepared by the consultant firm. I encourage you to visit the site to learn more about the study process and the related findings. Learn more and view the resources related to the Feasibility Study.
The Advisory Committee has already met twice. At its Sept. 12 meeting, the committee reviewed data and norms associated with the educational experiences that exist in both districts. The next phase of the study will focus on the organizational capacity of both districts.
Upcoming Feasibility Advisory Committee meetings
Oct. 17 and Nov. 14, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 pm (meetings will be held virtually – get the link at the Feasibility Study resources page)
Dec. 12, 2024- 3:30 – 5:30 pm (meeting will be held at the Canajoharie CSD)
All of these meetings are open to the public.
Feasibilty Study Focus Groups – Oct. 30
In addition, the focus group discussions related to the Feasibility Study have been rescheduled for Oct. 30. Register to participate with the Feasibility Study Focus Groups on Oct. 30.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lauren Crisman, Superintendent of Schools
Capital Improvement Project Vote – Legal Notice
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the Fort Plain Central School District (the “School District”) on July 30, 2024, that a special meeting of the qualified voters of the School District be and the same is hereby called to be held in the Library of the Harry Hoag Elementary School, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, New York 13339, on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. prevailing time for the purpose of voting on the following proposition:
PROPOSITION
Shall the Board of Education be authorized to: (I) reconstruct and improve various school buildings, facilities and sites, acquire original furnishings, equipment, machinery or apparatus required for the purpose for which such building, facilities and sites are to be used and pay incidental costs related thereto, at a maximum aggregate cost of $10,140,000; (2) expend such sum of for such purpose, including the expenditure of $1,180,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund;
(3) levy the necessary tax therefore, to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education, taking into account State aid received and the amount to be expended from the Capital Reserve Fund; and (4) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, issue bonds and notes of the School District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $8,960,000, and levy a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due?
The vote upon such proposition shall be by machine, absentee ballot or early mail-in ballot. The hours during which the polls shall be kept open shall be from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. prevailing time or for as long thereafter as necessary to enable qualified voters who are in the polling place at 8:00 p.m. to cast their ballots. Any person shall be entitled to vote who is: (a) a citizen of the United States, (b) eighteen years of age and (c) a resident within the District for a period of thirty days next preceding the October 3, 2024 vote. The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law Section 2018-c. Such form may include a driver’s license, a non driver identification card, a utility bill, a voter registration card or any identification containing a person’s physical address. Upon offer of proof of residency, the School District may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name and address.
Absentee ballots and early mail-in ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail-in ballots must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter; or on October 2, 2024 if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. All absentee ballots and early mail-in ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on October 3, 2024.
The District Clerk shall also mail an early mail ballot to every qualified voter othe1wise eligible for such ballot, who requests an early mail ballot in a letter which is signed by the voter and received by the District Clerk not earlier than the thirtieth day nor later than the seventh day before the vote and which states the address where the voter resides and to which the ballot is to be mailed. The District Clerk shall enclose with such ballot a form of application for early mail ballot. The early mail ballot of a voter who requested such ballot by letter, rather than application, shall not be counted unless a valid application form, signed by such voter, is received by the District Clerk with such ballot.
The Education Law makes special provision for absentee voting by “permanently disabled” voters of the School District and any questions regarding these rights should be directed to the Clerk of the board.
The Education Law also makes special provisions for absentee voting for “military” voters of the School District. Specifically, the law provides a unique procedure for “milita1y ballots” in school district votes. Whereas absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots must be received by the voter by mail, a military voter may elect to receive their absentee ballot application and absentee ballot by mail, email or facsimile. The military voter must, however, return their original military ballot application and military ballot by mail or in person. The Clerk of the Board shall transmit the military voter’s military ballot in accord with the military voter’s preferred method of transmission not later than twenty-five (25) days before the vote. The Clerk of the Board must then receive the military voter’s military ballot by mail or in person not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote.
A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. prevailing time on each weekday until the day of the vote. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his challenge and reasons therefor known to the District Clerk. A challenge against an early mail ballot cannot be based on the reason that the voter should have obtained or applied for an absentee ballot.
District Clerk
Fort Plain Central School District
Opening: Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach
Fort Plain Central School District is seeking applicants for the position of Boys’ Head Coach for Basketball.
Applicants must hold all valid certifications.
Please contact David Bertram, Director of Student Engagement and Athletics, with questions at 518-993-4000, ext. 2134.
Learn more and apply for the position of Boys’ Head Coach for Basketball.
Scheduled safety drills: A message from Superintendent Crisman
Dear Fort Plain CSD families,
I hope this message finds each of you doing well and that your students have enjoyed their return to school!
The New York State Education Department requires that all schools routinely conduct safety drills to ensure students and staff are prepared to respond to different types of emergencies. We will rehearse the following drills throughout the year:
Shelter-In-Place—used to shelter students and staff inside the building (for example, in weather-related situations.)
Hold-In-Place—used to limit movement of students and staff while dealing with short term emergencies.
Evacuate—used to evacuate students and staff from the building (for fire and other internal emergencies.)
Lockout—used to secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose and imminent concern outside of the school (for example, danger outside or close to the school.)
Lockdown—used to secure the school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school (for example, an intruder in the school building.)
Learn more about safety drills in the District Safety Plan.
Upcoming safety drills
Several evacuation drills (commonly known as fire drills) will be conducted in both buildings, Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School, beginning on Sept. 11, and a Lockdown Drill will be conducted in each building on Sept. 18.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Lauren Crisman, Superintendent of Schools
Public hearing on Capital Project and Board of Education meeting – Sept. 12
The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Sept. 12, 2024 following a public hearing on the proposed Capital Improvement Project, which begins at 6 p.m.
The public hearing and regular board meeting will take place in the Ronald H. Thibodeau Conference Room in the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, N.Y.
View the FPCSD Board of Education – Sept. 12, 2024 meeting agenda.
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Terry Collins
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Terry Collins, a beloved educator and dedicated Fort Plain social studies teacher for more than three decades. Mr. Collins was renowned for his expertise in New York State history.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
View the tribute to Terry Collins and learn about his many interests and life experiences.
Welcome new staff and faculty
Welcome to the newest members of the Fort Plain Central School District community!
All were recognized at the Sept. 3, 2024 Superintendent’s Conference Day, along with current faculty and staff, including many who have served the district for decades and will continue to do so this school year.
Thank you everyone!
New Harry Hoag Elementary and Jr./Sr. High School Teachers
- McKenna Callahan—Long Term Substitute in Grade 5 and Instructional Technology
- Kyler Ford—Physical Education Teacher
- Amber Genova—School Counselor
- Andrew Hanifin—Term Appointment in Special Education
- Lilah Lacetera—Grade 5 Teacher
- Jolene Parker—Grade 6 Teacher
- Benjamin Scharett—Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Samuel Solomon—Technology Teacher
- April Terwilliger—Grade 1 Teacher
- John Valovic—Special Education Teacher
New K-12 School Team Members
- Kristen Battisti—Teacher Aide (May 2024)
- Stephanie Brownell—Cleaner
- Tessa Clapper—Full Time Driver
- Susan Fanelli—Teacher Aide
- Chad Fitzpatrick—Bus Driver Repairperson
- Alecia Flynn—Teacher Aide
- Joseph Kukenberger—Regular Run Driver
- Penny Loring—Cleaner
- Aubrey VanValkenburgh—Teacher Aide
Capital Project vote to be held Oct. 3
On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, the Fort Plain community will vote on a $10,140,000 capital improvement project. If approved, the project will fund needed repairs and improvements inside and out of both Harry Hoag Elementary School and the Jr./Sr. High School. It will also enhance some of our well-used gathering spaces, such as the Jr./Sr. High School auditorium, and provide safer access to our athletic facilities.
Providing each Fort Plain learner with the opportunities, skills and mindset to be successful now and in their future pursuits is at the heart of our mission. Ongoing maintenance and improvement of our facilities is an essential part of fulfilling that mission.
Every learner and community member or organization that uses our facilities will benefit from these improvements.
The vote will be held at Harry Hoag Elementary School (polling in the school library) on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Our teachers and school district leaders believe in the promise of education and feel strongly in creating a learning environment that guarantees each student the opportunity to get what they need from us to pursue a life filled with success and enduring happiness,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman.
“In creating this project, we have been purposeful about what needs to be done to create a more safe and enriching learning environment that will support students now and help prepare them for their futures with no additional cost to local taxpayers.”
Zero tax impact with the use of reserves and bonding
Funding for the cost of this project will be paid for using the district’s reserve fund and bond borrowing (reimbursable through New York State Education Department/NYSED building aid) at no additional impact on local taxpayers.
Breakdown of funding for this project:
- Proposed Capital Project Cost: $10,140,000
- Total from Capital Reserve Fund: $1,180,000
- Bond Borrowing: $8,960,000
Cost to taxpayers: No additional cost to taxpayers. Projections assume a zero tax levy impact.
Proposed project scope
This project contains both needed repairs to enhance the safety and usability of our facilities for all and improvements that will, most directly, impact the learning experience for students and the staff who support them.
The New York State Education Department requires schools to complete a Building Condition Survey every five years in collaboration with a licensed architect. All items included in the project proposal are based on the recommendations of the district’s Building Condition Survey and additional stakeholder surveys.
These and other enhancements, include, but are not limited to:
- Repairs to the carbon monoxide monitors in the bus garage.
- Regrading the fields at the Athletic Complex.
- Reconstruction of the concrete stairs leading to the Jr./Sr. High School entry.
- Masonry reconstruction at the Jr./Sr. High School.
- Updated lighting and sound system installation in the Jr./Sr. High School
auditorium. - Repairs to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the Jr./Sr.
High School. - Repairs and upgrades to the fixtures in the B wing of Harry Hoag Elementary School.
Project timeline
If approved, the design portion of this project work would begin in the spring of 2025 with a goal to have the work approved by late 2025. Planned renovations and construction would begin in the summer of 2026.
Voting information
The vote on this Capital Project, including the use of funds from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund to help pay for this project, will be held at Harry Hoag Elementary School Library on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To vote, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of the Fort Plain Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote and not otherwise ineligible.
Absentee ballots
Absentee ballots are available for the Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 Capital Project vote.
Absentee ballots will be issued upon request to residents who will be out of town or unable to vote at the polls due to illness or disability.
Request an absentee ballot by contacting District Clerk Becky Smith at 518-993-4000 ext. 1000.
Absentee ballots that are returned by mail must be received by the district clerk at least seven days before the vote – by Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
Absentee ballots may be picked up and submitted in-person at our District Office until the day before the vote – Wednesday, Oct. 2 by 5 p.m.
Learn more about the proposed capital improvement project
Public Hearing
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, 6 p.m. District Office Conference Room.
Walk-Through
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, 3 – 4 p.m. Meet at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
King + King Architects will lead a guided tour for the public through the various spaces slated for repair and improvement in the proposed capital improvement project.
Childcare for school-age children will be available for those participating with the tour.
Resources
Capital Improvement Project public hearing presentation – Sept. 12, 2024
Legal Notice – Capital Improvement Project Proposition and Vote, Oct. 3, 2024
Fort Plain mourns the passing of Craig Ehle
Fort Plain Central School District mourns the passing of Craig Ehle, a graduate of our schools and bus driver for 25 years in our district.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
View the tribute to Craig Ehle and learn about his many interests and life experiences.