Season’s greetings and bright futures: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Season’s greetings families, faculty and friends of Fort Plain CSD!
Where does the time go! As we rapidly approach the end of 2023, it is important that we take a moment to appreciate the things we hold most dear.
For me, working as part of the FPCSD team will always be one of the things that I am most grateful for. This community continues to show unwavering support for its youth and the school system. Throughout the fall, it was wonderful to see our campus buzzing with community and parent engagement at so many school events, from fall sporting competitions and Open Houses to the annual Halloween Parade. These events were so much fun and your presence and partnership are appreciated!
The changing of the year invites us to think deeply about goals for the future. Goal setting is fundamental in achieving success.
Capital Improvement Project aimed at addressing essential needs
On Wednesday, Dec.13, residents will have the opportunity to vote on a Capital Improvement Project. This project was designed with two important district goals in mind; to address maintenance issues in all of the facilities and to enhance student learning spaces. An enduring Board of Education goal is to ensure the responsible use of fiscal resources. The proposed project takes advantage of the district’s current high building aid ratio to address the necessary repairs. If approved, the project will have no impact on the school tax levy, nor be an additional cost to taxpayers.
Conversation on possible consolidation study
Additionally, as we think of the future and our core fundamental purpose of preparing students for success beyond graduation, our Board of Education has agreed to meet with the Canajoharie Central School District’s board to consider engaging in a comprehensive consolidation (merger) study. Typically, consolidation (merger) studies take nine to twelve months to complete.
FPCSD continues to face many of the same challenges impacting other rural communities such as recruiting and retaining certified educators, finding coaches and advisors to maintain student enrichment options and acquiring skilled labor employees. Community-based organizations that provide such needed services as childcare and mental health supports continue to be sparse, as well. A consolidation study would allow both school communities to comprehensively assess the advantages and disadvantages associated with combining school services.
Some may ask why we would plan a Capital Improvement Project if we are considering a consolidation. While our board has agreed to have a conversation soon about the potential of consolidation, any action that may be taken to combine the two districts’ programs would be years away. In the meantime, our facilities will require maintenance in order to best serve our students and the many other youth and community groups such as Boy Scouts, Summer Rec and Biddy Basketball that utilize our campus for their activities. The Capital Improvement Project that will be voted on Dec. 13, 2023 was prepared with the entire community’s needs in mind so, whether a consolidation is agreed to or not, the campus structures will remain a great value and service to all.
With gratitude
Heading into the winter, be sure to stay informed of school happenings by visiting our website and joining our social media groups. We remain dedicated to sharing stories of our students’ achievement, growth and advancement.
As the time to say goodbye to another year nears, I encourage you to reach out to those who’ve made a difference in your life and express your gratitude for them. “Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
From my family to yours, wishing you each a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
Fondly,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools