Category: District News
2025-26 school budget development
The school budget is the biggest investment the community collectively makes with its tax dollars. District leaders work to make the most thoughtful and effective use of resources to benefit students, to develop and manage the budget in a responsible and transparent manner and to be accountable to taxpayers.
Updates and resources related to the 2025-26 budget process will be added to the Budget section of the website as they become available.
School Budget Vote – May 20, 2025
Each spring, the board of education adopts a budget for the coming school year for a community vote. New York state has designated the third Tuesday in May as the date for school budget votes.
This year, the school budget vote and board of education election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The vote will be held at the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!
Board of Education adopts proposed 2025-26 proposed budget
During its regular meeting on April 10, 2025, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a proposed $24,000,000 budget for the 2025-26 school year.
The school budget represents an increase in spending of $156,000 or 0.65% over the current year budget. The spending plan will allow the district to maintain all current academic programs and personnel, and will provide for additional supports and learning opportunities for students.
Under this proposal, the tax levy would increase by 1.00%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap of 5.15%. Because the tax levy increase remains below the district’s allowable limit, as determined by the state’s tax “cap” formula, a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) is needed to pass the budget.
Opportunities to learn about the school budget
Since the start of the year, district administration and the Board of Education have been at work developing a budget for the 2025-26 school year. The goal is to maximize the district’s resources to create a fiscally responsible budget for the district’s academic, athletic and extracurricular programs and essential services in order to meet students’ needs.
- Public Hearing – Proposed 2025-26 Budget—Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6 p.m., District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY.
Early Voting/Absentee Ballots
Early voting/absentee ballot applications may be obtained from the District Clerk, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Completed applications for ballots must be returned to the District Clerk at least seven days before the vote and election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the vote and election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.
Early/absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 20, 2025, the day of this year’s vote.
Jr./Sr. High School third quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2024-25 third quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 12
- Tucker Bailey
- Mariah Deese
- Morgan McArthur
- Maiya Sousa
- Dustin Welch
- Alexis Woodcock
Grade 11
- Alexis Buley
- Madison Clayburn
- Traeh Compton
- Michael Dinehart Jr.
- Breyanna Gilot
- Jordynn Gomez
- Natashia Hammond
- Kimberly Kirby
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Grace McFee
- Devannan Ragoo
- Morgan Stock
- Jayde TenEyck
Grade 10
- Genavive Bathrick
- Faith Clark
- Teegan Compton
- Jeremy Gebhardt
- Lyllie Handy
- Ariana Nemeth
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Kendra Sackett
- Jordan Thackrah
Grade 9
- Blake Battisti
- Dio Callan
- Violet Handy
- Sedona Horning
- Paige Lochner
- Damion Rathanum
- Sawyer Raymond
- Jasmine Rumrill
- Jacob Rush
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Zachary Walsh
Grade 8
- Laura Atkins
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Joshua LaQuee
- Shawn Millett
- Hailee Moore
- Gabriella Peters
- Karson Rhodes
- Trent Richards
- Giavanna Suiter
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 7
- Brantlee Brownell
- Aubree Childs
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Giovani DeMayo
- Isabella Hearn
- Amarha Herring
- Piper Kretser
- Russhell Leverock
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Julian President
- Dante Santiago
- Charlotte Thomas
- Ziva Yerdon
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Nathan Benson
- Zachary Briggs
- Jordan Brown
- Gabriella Calhoun
- Dakota Cooper
- Yunus Demir
- James Douglas
- Alexander Ellis
- Kaylie Field
- Cris-John Fuhs
- Ashlynn Hart
- Vienna Jackson
- Serenity Johnson
- Christian Krulczyk
- Payton Landry
- Jasmine Lapi
- Katie LeRoy
- Damien Massie
- Xavier Rivera
- Nevaeh Rivers
- Adriyanna Rouse
- Aiden Roy
- Brandon Schuyler
- Chase Tyler
Grade 11
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Emma Cook
- Noah Fonda
- Isis Hammond
- Koby Herron
- McKenna Karker
- Dylan Keane
- Draik Millett
- Kyera Murray
- Constance Narzymski
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Joseph Smith
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 10
- Jordyn Best
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Isabella Fountain
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Hailey Hayes
- Brooke Jones
- Lilly Lapi
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Landon VanGorder
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 9
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Jordan Gallt
- Brianne Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Lincoln Kretser
- Blake Lapi
- George Mang
- Cristopher Quiroz-Romero
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Evan Weaver
Grade 8
- Halleli Brackett
- Alyvia Castellano
- Lexis Downes
- Justin Hisert
- Khloe Hisert
- McKenna Hisert
- Madden Lathers
- Jazmain Leonard
- Connor Lochner
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Jack Parkinson
- Isaac Passero
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Gregory Simons
- Jaymes Smith
- Anna-Belle Snyder
- Gavin Souza
- Kiana Tyler
- Jordan Williams II
Grade 7
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Milo Clark
- Sienna Dean
- Arianna Eells
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Jacob LaQuee
- Claudia Maring
- Aishwarya Murray
- Mara Poultney
- Ethan Shostek
- Noah Smith
- Gavin Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb
Harry Hoag third quarter honor roll and principal’s list
Harry Hoag Elementary School is proud to announce the 2024-25 third quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 5
- Zane Bradt
- Nicholas Compton
- Lailah Lewis
- Renesmee Tompkins
- Troy Zabawczuk
Grade 6
- Tori Compton
- Christian Jones
- Demora Lawson
- Serenity Leverock
- Andres Medina
- Danyel Rankin
- Isabella Shibley
- Colton White
Principal’s List
Grade 5
- Cecilia Baker
- Shani Brackett
- Ellyana Brown
- Ty Brownell
- Noah Clark
- Aubrey Clayburn
- Ryelee David
- Blaine Dodson
- Bryson Dodson
- Dalton Fournier
- Harper Fowler
- Aiden Hardnett
- Corbin Hazzard
- Harlan Heroth
- Maria Hisert
- Maison Houston
- Gulzreen Khalid
- Abel Kretser
- Audrey Krug
- Livia McDuffee
- Joshua Murphy
- Zannah Poultney
- Tanner Putnam
- Grant Reese
- Tabitha Romanello
- Abigail Ryder
- Kobe Skiffington
- Gracie Smith
- Madelyn Thomas
- Samuel Thomas
- Garett Trumbull
- Nevaeh Tyler
Grade 6
- Zachary Alkinburgh
- Isabelle Allen
- Kaylee Becker
- Aiden Bunker
- Kyle Christman
- KataLenah Clapper
- Lleyton Emrick
- Nauni Fink
- Audrina Gomez
- Quinn Hisert
- Lilly Mang
- IvyKate McGuire
- Elaena Minarich
- Oliver Parkinson
- Willow Richards
- Isley Ruszkowski
- Beverly Sherwood
- Kayden Trumbull
- Addison Weaver
2025 Board of Education vacancies and election
Two seats on the Fort Plain Board of Education will be up for election this May to fill vacancies for terms expiring on June 30, 2025. The three-year terms will run from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.
Regular elections for Board of Education seats are held each year on the third Tuesday in May, the same date residents vote on the school budget. This year’s vote date is Tuesday, May 20.
Petitions to run for the board must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025.
For information on how to be placed on the ballot, contact Becky Smith, District Clerk, at becky.smith@fortplain.org or (518) 993-4000, ext. 1000.
Any U.S. citizen who is a resident of Fort Plain Central School District for 30 days prior to the vote may run for a seat on the Board.
Serving as a School Board Member
What does a Board of Education/school board member do? Why volunteer to serve on the Board? Here’s some helpful information from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Responsibilities of a Board Member
With school children always their ultimate focus, school board members act officially at the board table, working with other board members to serve students and accomplish the following:
- Create a shared vision for the future of education.
- Set the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance.
- Provide rigorous accountability for student achievement results.
- Develop a budget and present it to the community, aligning district resources to improve achievement.
- Support a healthy school district culture for work and learning.
- Create strategic partnerships with the community stakeholders.
- Build the district’s progress through continuous improvement.
- Adopt and maintain current policies.
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent.
- Ratify collective bargaining agreements.
- Maintain strong ethical standards.
Characteristics of a Board Member
Below are attributes that all effective board members should possess:
- Effective Communicator: Can describe what they want and describe what others want; a good listener.
- Consensus Builder: Capable of working toward decisions that all can support and willing to compromise to achieve goals.
- Community Participant: Enjoys meeting a variety of people, can identify the community’s key communicators and reaches out to the community.
- Decision Maker: Is comfortable making decisions and can support group decision-making.
- Information Processor: Can organize priorities and schedules to handle large amounts of verbal and written information.
- Leader: Willing to take risks, be supportive of board colleagues, district staff and community.
- Team Player: Helps promote the board’s vision and goals.
2025-26 legal notice of budget hearing, vote and election
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 Budget for the Fort Plain Central School District shall be held in the District Office Conference Room of the Harry Hoag Elementary School, Fort Plain, New York, on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., prevailing time. The budget will be available for review at the District Office, Fort Plain, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weekdays, during the fourteen (14) days preceding the date of the election.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual meeting of the qualified voters of the Fort Plain Central School District will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 between the hours of 12:00am and 8:00pm, prevailing time, in the Library of the Harry Hoag Elementary School, Fort Plain, New York, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by machine on the following items:
2025-2026 BUDGET
To adopt the annual budget of the Fort Plain Central School District for the fiscal year 2025-26 and to authorize the requisite portion therefore to be raised by taxation on the taxable property on the District.
PROPOSITION #1
Shall the Board of Education of the Fort Plain Central School District be authorized to: (a) acquire three (3) school vehicles at a maximum aggregate cost not to exceed $400,000; (b) expend such sums for such purpose; (c) expend from the Bus Purchase/Capital Reserve Fund an amount not to exceed $400,000 for such purpose; (d) levy the necessary tax therefore, to be levied and collected in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education taking into account state aid received and amounts disbursed from the reserve fund; and (e) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, to issue bonds and notes of the District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $400,000, and to levy a tax to pay the interest on such obligations when due?
ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBER SEATS
To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education consisting of two (2), three (3) year terms commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028, to succeed Kaitlyn Webb and Joshua Parkinson, whose terms expire on June 30, 2025.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for the 2025-2026 school year, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting except Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, at District school buildings between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time and also at said District Election. A report of tax exemptions, showing how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll or rolls used in that budgetary process is exempt from taxation, shall be annexed to the budget document.
The election and budget vote shall be by machine or early mail or absentee ballot. The hours during which the polls shall be kept open shall be from 12:00 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.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the District Clerk at the District Clerk’s office in Fort Plain, New York, not later than April 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters or two percent (2%) of the voters in the previous annual election of the District, whichever is greater, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. A copy of such petition may be obtained at them Office of District Clerk during regular school hours.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with §2035 and 2008 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk of the Board of Education at the Fort Plain Central School District, New York on or before April 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. prevailing time; must be typed or printed in English, must be directed to the Clerk of the School District and must be signed by 25 qualified voters or five percent (5%) of the number of qualified voters who voted in the pervious annual election, whichever shall be greater; and must state the name and residence of each signer. However, the School board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that applications for early mail and absentee ballots will be obtainable and are returnable no earlier than April 21, 2025 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays, from the District Clerk. Completed applications for early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, May 13, 2025; or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, May 19, 2025. Early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025.
A list of all persons to whom early mail and 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 of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, except weekends, up to the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his/her challenge and reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. 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.
The Education Law makes special provisions for absentee voting by “permanently disabled” voters of the 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 District. Specifically, the law provides a unique procedure for “military ballots” in school district votes. Whereas early mail and absentee ballot applications and early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the voter by mail or in person, a military voter may elect to receive his/her absentee ballot application and absentee ballot by mail, email or facsimile. The military voter must, however, return his/her 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 accordance with the military voter’s preferred method of transmission not later than 25 days before the vote, April 25, 2025. 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.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote in said annual vote and election. A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen (18) years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the annual vote and election. 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 redacted tax return or any identification containing the 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.
Dated: March 27, 2025
Rebecca J. Smith, District Clerk
Fort Plain Central School District
Run Dates: April 4, 2025
April 16, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 17, 2025
April 2025 Menus
Breakfast and lunch are available free of charge each school day for all Fort Plain students, pre-k through high school.
Fat-free and low-fat white and chocolate milk served daily.
Fruit served daily. May include: fresh, canned, dried (raisins) or juice.
April 2025 Menus
School breakfast is: brain power for learning, nutrition for growth, fuel for sports and P.E.!
Harry Hoag Elementary—Breakfast | Lunch
Jr./Sr. High School—Breakfast | Lunch
Pre-K
Breakfast
Monday, March 31 – Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 1 – Waffle Sticks, Cheese Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 2 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 3 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 4 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 7 – Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 8 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 9 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 10 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 11 – Egg Patty, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 – Spring Break/No School
Monday, April 21 – Pumpkin Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 22 – French Toast Sticks, Cheese Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 23 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 24 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 25 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 28 – Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 29 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 30 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 1 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 2 – Cereal, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Monday, March 31 – Pizza, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 1 – Chicken Patty, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 2 – Corn Dog, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 3 – Spaghetti/Meatballs, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 4 – Chicken Alfredo, Peas & Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 7 – Chicken Nuggets, Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 8 – Hot Dog on a Bun, Smile Fries, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 9 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 10 – Baked Ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, French Roll, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 11 – Early Dismissal Day: PB & J Bag Lunch, Baked Potato Chips, Raisins or Craisins, Cookies & Juice
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 – Spring Break/No School
Monday, April 21 – Chicken Tenders, Cornbread, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 22 – Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 23 – Ham & Cheese Bun, Fresh Veggies, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 24 – Pizza Crunchers, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 25 – Chicken Patty, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 28 – Pizza, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 29 – Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 30 – Turkey & Cheese Bun, Tomato Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Club, Celery Sticks w/dip, Assorted Fruit
Friday, May 2 – French Toast Sticks, Tater Tots, Applesauce, 100% Fruit Juice
Elementary
Breakfast
Monday, March 31 – Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 1 – Waffle Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 2 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 3 – Cheese Omelet, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 4 – Cereal & Yogurt, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 7 – Muffins, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 8 – Mini Pancakes, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 9 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 10 – French Toast Tornado, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 11 – Egg Patty, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 – Spring Break/No School
Monday, April 21 – Breakfast Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 22 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 23 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 24 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 25 – Cereal & Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 28 – Mini Bagel Pack, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 29 – Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 30 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 1 – Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 2 – Muffin Top & Yogurt, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Monday, March 31 – Pizza, Buttered Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 1 – Chicken Patty, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 2 – Corn Dog, SunChips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 3 – Spaghetti/Meatballs, Italian Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cookie
Friday, April 4 – Chicken Alfredo, Soft Pretzel, Peas & Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 7 – Chicken Nuggets, Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 8 – Hot Dog on a Bun, Smile Fries, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 9 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Sun Chips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 10 – Baked Ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, French Roll, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 11 – Early Dismissal Day: PB & J Bag Lunch, Baked Potato Chips, Raisins or Craisins, Cookies & Juice
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 – Spring Break/No School
Monday, April 21 – Chicken Tenders, Cornbread, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 22 – Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cookies
Wednesday, April 23 – Ham & Cheese Bun, Baked Chips, Fresh Veggies, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 24 – Pizza Crunchers, Dinner Roll, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 25 – Chicken Patty, Chicken Noodle Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 28 – Pizza, Buttered Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 29 – Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Vegetarian Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 30 – Turkey & Cheese Bun, Pretzels, Tomato Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Club, Cheese Crackers, Celery Sticks w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 2 – French Toast Sticks, Tater Tots, Applesauce, 100% Fruit Juice
Jr./Sr. High School
Breakfast
Monday, March 31 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 1 – Waffle Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 2 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 3 – Cheese Omelet, Sausage Patty, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 4 – Cereal & Granola Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 7 – Breakfast Bread, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 8 – Pancakes, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 9 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 10 – Cinnamon Rolls, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 11 – Bacon, Egg, Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 – Spring Break/No School
Monday, April 21 – Bagel Bar, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 22 – Cheese Omelet, Bacon, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 23 – Breakfast Pizza Bagel, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 24 – Whole Grain Funnel Cake, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, April 25 – Sausage, Egg, Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Monday, April 28 – Tornado or Pancake on a Stick, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Tuesday, April 29 – French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Wednesday, April 30 – Breakfast Pizza, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, May 1 – Whole Grain Donuts, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Friday, May 2 – Muffin Top & Yogurt, Assorted Fruit Choice, 100% Fruit Juice
Lunch
Monday, March 31 – Pizza, Buttered Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 1 – Chicken Patty, Beef Barley Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 2 – Breakfast4Lunch: Breakfast Sandwich, Breakfast Potatoes, Fruit Salad, 100% Fruit Juice
Thursday, April 3 – Meatball Subs, Baked Chips,, Italian Green Beans
Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 4 – Chicken Alfredo, Soft Pretzel, Peas & Carrots, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 7 – Chicken Nuggets, Rice Pilaf, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 8 – Hot Dog on a Bun, Tater Tots, Corn, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 9 – Bacon Cheeseburger, Sun Chips, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 10 – Baked Ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, French Roll, Tossed Salad, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 11 – Early Dismissal Day: PB & J Bag Lunch, Baked Potato Chips, Raisins/Craisins, Cookies & Juice
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 – Spring Break/No School
Monday, April 21 – Chicken Tenders, Biscuit, Peas, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 22 – Taco Salad, Fiesta Rice, Salsa Green Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Wednesday, April 23 – Ham & Cheese Bun, Baked Chips, BBQ Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, April 24 – Chicken Parm, Parmesan Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, April 25 – Chicken Patty, Chicken Soup, Baby Carrots w/ranch, Assorted Fruit Choice
Monday, April 28 – Pizza, Buttered Pasta, Broccoli, Assorted Fruit Choice
Tuesday, April 29 – Cheeseburger, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit Choice, Cookies
Wednesday, April 30 – Turkey & Cheese Bun, Pretzels, Tomato Soup, Assorted Fruit Choice
Thursday, May 1 – Grilled Chicken Club, Cheese Crackers, Celery Sticks w/dip, Assorted Fruit Choice
Friday, May 2 – A Little Bit of Everything Day! A couple of entrée choices, a mix of french fries, veg/fruit
2025-26 school budget development underway
On February 5, 2025, Superintendent Lauren Crisman and Finance Director Philene Hudson presented a draft plan for the 2025-26 school year budget to the Fort Plain Board of Education.
The budget proposal preserves all academic programs and staffing, and includes funding to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming places for students and staff to learn, work and grow.
“This year’s budget provides support for initiatives that align with our enduring goals. We continue to think creatively about how we can best serve our community’s youth and provide them with an education and enriching experiences that prepare them for the future.”
Items under consideration in the draft 2025-26 budget include:
- The purchase of curricular materials that align with the statewide literacy initiative and will support each of our students in gaining proficiency with essential English Language Arts (reading, writing and communication.)
- Continuation of funding for BOCES services to support our students. For 2025-26, this will include the reintegration into the Distance Learning Consortium, which offers our high school students the opportunity to participate virtually with expanded and unique coursework and advance placement offerings.
- Support for experiential learning opportunities in the region to promote career exploration.
Voters will also consider a proposition to purchase three school buses (one 72-passenger and two 24-passenger) for approximately $400,000 as part of the district’s continual renewal of its transportation fleet. This would be paid for from bus purchase and capital reserve funds and will have no impact on the 2025-26 tax levy.
Proposed 2025-26 budget: At-a-Glance
The total for the draft budget is now $24,000,000 with anticipated revenue from all sources equaling this amount.
The proposed spending plan carries a tax levy increase of 1.00%, which remains below the district’s state calculated limit or “cap” of 5.15%.
The proposed budget would increase September school tax bills by an estimated* $10.87 for those with a property assessed at $100,000 and basic STAR – and – $3.90 for property owners with Enhanced Star.
*Calculations are based on prior year assessed values and equalization rates and subject to change.
Upcoming budget presentation and vote
The budget development process will continue through the spring with opportunities for the public to learn more.
The next presentation to the Board of Education on the 2025-26 budget is April 10.
A public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, in the District Office Conference Room, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY.
The school budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library at 25 High St., Fort Plain, NY.
At that time, district residents will also vote on two open seats on the school board. Board of Education petitions are now being accepted. Contact District Clerk Becky Smith for more information, 518-993-4000 ext. 1000.
Additional information about the annual budget process, including budget presentations, voting and tax information, can be found on the Budget page of our website.
Career exploration helps students see a world of possibilities
Along with helping our students gain essential knowledge and skills, we offer a host of opportunities throughout the school year designed to spark their interests in new career pathways.
Here are just a few of the ways our students have been exploring “a world of possibilities” this school year:
Touring today’s in-demand jobs
NYS Department of Labor was on campus earlier this year, offering our students a virtual tour through some of today’s in-demand jobs and emerging industries—from manufacturing and construction to healthcare and finance. This led to some great conversations with our high schoolers about future learning and careers!
Law and order
A group of our seniors recently attended the Women in Law program at the Onondaga County Courthouse in Syracuse. Hosted by the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, the program brought students and legal professionals together to introduce young women to the various professions in the field of law and promote the advancement of women in the legal professions.
Cultivating leaders
At the Cooperstown Central School’s 10th Annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, our student-athletes learned that leadership is an essential skill—in all aspects of life and on the track, field and court. Students had the chance to attend workshops about redefining success (it’s not all about winning!), self-care, and leadership with their teams/teammates, in their schools and community.
Inspiring the next generation of teachers
Students curious about a career in education participated in a two-day teacher recruitment workshop at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, led by members of our high school teaching team and designed to inspire and inform students about the rewards and impact they can have as teachers.
Women in the skilled trades
Career and technical education offers students a chance to train for jobs and careers in a host of skilled trades. Many of our high schoolers follow this course of study with our partner HFM BOCES and in-house through our welding pathway program. This March, Fort Plain students joined their peers from around the region for an event focused on women in the trades, offering them the chance to “see themselves” in the many career pathways offered through the BOCES.
Canajoharie and Fort Plain residents vote against merger in straw poll
Voters in the Canajoharie and Fort Plain central school districts put an end to the merger process Thursday, March 6, by voting 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.
Library Club book collection for our students
Send our students on a reading adventure this summer!
Here is what you can do:
- Donate. Any amount is welcome!
- Adopt a book for $25.
- Send in new-ish books for young adults, teens or older elementary school students.
Checks can be made out to the “Fort Plain Library Club” and sent to the Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School, 1 West Street, Fort Plain, N.Y., 13339, c/o Ms. Tariyka Chalk.
Please contact Ms. Tariyka Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org or Mrs. Cory Cooley at cory.cooley@fortplain.org to make a cash donation.
Book donations can be dropped off at the Jr./Sr. High School.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Chaulk at tariyka.chaulk@fortplain.org.
Thank you for your support!