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Voters approve 2024-25 Fort Plain school budget, elect three to school board

Fort Plain Central School District residents voted on May 21, 2024 to approve a $23,844,000 budget for the 2024-25 school year by a vote of 239 to 65.

Propositions

Voters also approved a referendum by a vote of 225 to 79 authorizing the district to purchase three school buses at a maximum cost of $450,000. These funds will be drawn from the Bus Purchase/Capital Reserve Fund. The purchase will have no impact on the tax levy.

A referendum to allow the Fort Plain Library to increase its annual taxpayer supported appropriation from $85,000 to $100,000 was also approved by a vote of 229 to 77. The library appropriation is separate and apart from the Fort Plain Central School District annual budget. These monies are raised annually along with other taxes on taxable property within the district and paid over by the Fort Plain municipality to the library’s trustees.

Board of Education election

Additionally, voters elected three individuals to fill vacancies on the Board of Education. The elected candidates are Sara McDuffee (247 votes), Neal VanSlyke (201 votes) and Joshua Parkinson (158 votes).

Sara McDuffee and Neal VanSlyke will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2027.  Joshua Parkinson will serve a one-year and six-week term beginning May 21, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025 (which fills a vacancy created by a board member’s resignation.)

Mark your calendar: May 21 games, festivities and the School Budget vote

Fort Plain Central School District will be the center of many activities on Tuesday, May 21.

Families and community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and join us for the following:

  • K-12 Art Exhibit, 11 a.m-8 p.m., Harry Hoag Elementary School.
  • “Minute to Win It” fun and games, hosted by the Fort Plain PTA, 6- 7 p.m., Harry Hoag Elementary School.
  • Hilltopper Modified Baseball and Softball vs. Richfield Springs, 4:30 p.m., Fort Plain Sports Complex at Harry Hoag Elementary School.

“We are excited to offer our school community a host of activities and events in celebration of our students,” said Superintendent Lauren Crisman. “We welcome everyone to come and enjoy the many activities we have planned.”

School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election

The school budget vote will also take place on May 21, with polls open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library.

Fort Plain School District residents will be asked to consider the budget for the 2024-25 school year and will vote on two propositions. Residents will also elect three school board members.

Learn more about the budget proposal, the propositions and the board candidates.

2024-25 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election – May 21

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 is the date of the 2024-25 School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election.

Voting will take place in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from 11 a.m to 8 p.m.

Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!

Proposed 2024-25 School Budget – at a glance

Proposed Budget: $23,844,000

Increase from 2023-24 budget: $524,000 / 2.25%

Tax Levy Increase: $84,934 / 1.43%

Learn more about the proposed 2024-25 school budget.

Voter information

To be eligible to vote, residents must live in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the May 21, 2024 election, be at least 18 years of age and be a citizen of the United States.

Learn about early voting, absentee ballots and voter registration.

What’s on the ballot?

In addition to the proposed 2024-25 budget, the community will vote on the following:

Propositions

Proposition 2: Bus Purchase

Residents will be asked to consider the purchase of three buses for approximately $450,000. This will be paid for from Bus Purchase and Capital Reserve funds and will have no impact on the 2024-25 tax levy.

Proposition 3: Fort Plain Free Library Appropriation

Residents will be asked to allow the Fort Plain Free Library to increase its annual taxpayer supported appropriation from $85,000 to $100,000. The library appropriation is separate and apart from the Fort Plain Central School District annual budget. These monies are raised annually along with other taxes on taxable property within the district and paid over by the Fort Plain municipality to the trustees of the library

Board of Education Election

Residents will vote to elect three members to the Fort Plain Board of Education to serve two three-year terms beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2027 and one one-year and six-week term beginning May 21, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025 (to fill a vacancy created by a board member’s resignation.)

The candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot are:

  • Neal Van Slyke
  • Sara McDuffee
  • Janel Hearn*
  • Jamie Bunker
  • Joshua Parkinson

* Please note that Janel Hearn has sent notice to the District Clerk withdrawing her name as a candidate for 2024 Board of Education election due to personal circumstances.

Learn more about the candidates for the Board of Education.

Public hearing on 2024-25 budget and Board of Education meeting – May 8

The Fort Plain Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on May 8, 2024 following the public hearing on the proposed 2024-25 school year budget, 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 – May 8, 2024 meeting agenda.

Board of Education adopts proposed 2024-25 proposed budget

During its regular meeting on April 17, 2024, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a proposed $23,844,000 budget for the 2024-25 school year.

The school budget represents an increase in spending of $524,000, or 2.25%. 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 1.43%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap of 3.43%. 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.

Voting will take place on May 21, 2024, from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library, 25 High St., Fort Plain, NY.

View the 2024-25 Fort Plain budget presentation and related materials.

What’s On the Ballot

In addition to the proposed 2024-25 budget, the community will vote on the following:

Propositions

Proposition 2: Bus Purchase
Residents will be asked to consider the purchase of three buses for approximately $450,000. This will be paid for from Bus Purchase and Capital Reserve funds and will have no impact on the 2024-25 tax levy.

Proposition 3: Fort Plain Free Library Appropriation
Residents will be asked to allow the Fort Plain Free Library to increase its annual taxpayer supported appropriation from $85,000 to $100,000. The library appropriation is separate and apart from the Fort Plain Central School District annual budget. These monies are raised annually along with other taxes on taxable property within the district and paid over by the Fort Plain municipality to the trustees of the library

Board of Education Election

On May 21, votes will elect three members to the Fort Plain Board of Education to serve two three-year terms beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2027 and one one-year and six-week term beginning May 21, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025 (to fill a vacancy created by a board member’s resignation.) 

The candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot are: 

  • Neal Van Slyke
  • Sara McDuffee
  • Janel Hearn
  • Jamie Bunker
  • Joshua Parkinson

Learn more about the candidates for the Board of Education.

Public Hearing on the 2024-25 Budget

A public hearing on the proposed 2024-25 budget will be held Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the 2024-25 proposed budget.  

Please check the budget section of the district website for more information and updates as we move closer to the May 21 budget vote and school board election.

2024 Board of Education Candidates

The Fort Plain Board of Education is empowered to develop policies, rules and regulations for the operation of our school district and for the education and well-being of our students.

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.

Learn more about the responsibilities and characteristics of a board of education member.

2024 Board of Education Candiates

On May 21, 2024, voters in the Fort Plain Central School District will elect three board members to fill two, three year terms and one, one year and six week term (made vacant by the resignation of a board member.)

The candidates for 2024 Board of Education Election, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are:

Neal Van Slyke

Neal Van Slyke  is seeking a first term on the board.

For the past 24 years, Neal has served as the Administrator/CEO Wells Nursing Home in Johnstown, NY.

Neal received a bachelor of science degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. He is also a New York state licensed nursing home administrator.

Additionally, Neal volunteers his time as a basketball coach at all levels.

Neal has been a district resident for 25 years and is a 1984 graduate of Canajoharie Central School District.

Sara McDuffee

Sara McDuffee is seeking a first term on the board.

Sara is a resident of Fort Plain and a 2000 graduate of FPCSD.

For the past 20 years, Sara has been a social worker who specializes in public education and mental health. She currently works for the Greater Amsterdam School District. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology and a master’s degree in social work.

Janel Hearn*

* Please note that Janel Hearn has sent notice to the District Clerk withdrawing her name as a candidate for 2024 Board of Education election due to personal circumstances.

Janel Hearn is seeking a first term on the board.

Janel is a Fort Plain resident and a founder of a local non-profit childcare center.

She is a 2001 graduate of Family Christian Academy in Fort Plain. (Please note: A previous version of this post indicated incorrect information about the school Janel Hearn graduated from in 2001. The district apologizes for this oversight.)

Janel holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership and is currently persuing a PhD in Philosophy of Education from the University Of Arizona Global Campus.

Additionally, Janel has served on the Fort Plain Activities Council for four years hosting “Santa Comes to Town” at the Little Miss Fire Cracker Pageant. She recently worked with the Fort Plain C.O.R.E in 2023.

Jamie Bunker

Jamie Bunker is seeking a first term on the board.

Jamie is a resident of Fort Plain and a 2002 graduate of FPCSD.

Jamie currently serves as Director of Finance at Roses Brands Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. John Fisher College.

Additionally, Jaime coaches various Fort Plain youth sports.

Joshua Parkinson

Joshua Parkinson is seeking a first term on the board.

Joshua is a resident of Fort Plain and a 2003 graduate of FPCSD.

Joshua currently serves as the Director of Instructional Design at Herkimer County Community College. Joshua holds a master’s degree in Instructional Design from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Additionally, Joshua coaches Fort Plain youth sports and serves on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Herkimer County.

2024-25 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 2024-25 budget process will be added to this page and the Budget section of the website as they become available.

School Budget Vote – May 21, 2024

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 21, 2024. The vote will be held at the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please mark your calendars and be sure to vote!

Board of Education adopts proposed 2024-25 proposed budget

During its regular meeting on April 17, 2024, the Fort Plain Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a proposed $23,844,000 budget for the 2024-25 school year.

The school budget represents an increase in spending of $524,000, or 2.25%. 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 1.43%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap of 3.43%. 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.

Learn more about proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year.

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 2024-25 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 – Transportation, Building/Grounds and Instructional Program Budgets, 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in the conference room of the District Office, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, N.Y.
  • Public Hearing – Proposed 2024-25 Budget, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in the conference room of the District Office.

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 21, 2024, the day of this year’s vote.

Pediculosis/Head Lice Policy

Head lice are tiny insects that can be found on the scalp and hair. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years of age. The term for infestation of lice is pediculosis.

While head lice are not harmful and do not spread disease, they can cause discomfort and annoyance. It is essential that we work together as a community to prevent and manage any cases that may arise.

Pediculosis Policy

At its regular meeting on February 14, 2024, the Fort Plain CSD Board of Education voted to approve district policy 7515 related to pediculosis (head lice.)

This policy is designed to support students and families in their efforts to control and eliminate lice, maintain student privacy and decrease absenteeism.

Fort Plain Central School District Policy 7515 – Pediculosis

Pediculosis is infestation with the human head-and-body louse, Pediculus humanus. There are two subspecies, the head louse (P. h. capitis) and the body louse (P. h. humanus).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) do not treat head lice as an illness that necessitates an absence from school and have shown that the contagion does not spread as easily as once thought.

The Board of Education does not condone the absence of students from school for unnecessary reasons.  The District is invested in keeping infestations to a minimum.

In order to control infestations of pediculosis, the Board of Education has adopted the following protocols:

  • Whenever there is a possibility of an infestation, the School Nurse will conduct a head check to assess the situation.  If live lice are found, the School Nurse will contact the student’s parent/guardian. The parent/ guardian will be asked to pick up the student and apply a corrective treatment.  The student will not be allowed to return to their classroom until a corrective treatment has been given.  Corrective treatments will be made available as needed (provided by the School Nurse) and are to be administered at home. The School Nurse will reassess the student via a head check after treatment is applied.  The student must be free from live lice in order to return to the classroom and/or be able to participate in school functions.
  • Administrators and the School Nurses will work with both students and parents to minimize the number of absences caused by head lice.

*If a student has live lice, they may not attend any after school events on the day of the assessment, unless a treatment has been applied and there has been a consultation with the School Nurse or an administrator clearing them to participate.  Ex.  Student is sent home at 2pm.  Treatment is applied.  Parent contacts the administrator to receive permission for the student to attend the concert.  Administrator grants permission. 

  • All School Staff will protect student privacy and maintain the confidentiality of medical information related to infestations of head lice.

Mitigation

  • Whenever a student is identified with live lice, a parent notification will be sent to the entire class to raise awareness regarding exposure.
  • Ongoing monitoring by School Nurses via random classroom and household head check.
  • Treatment kits provided to families as needed.
  • Timebound interventions for classrooms where a case of live lice was identified.
    • Spacing between personal items
    • Classroom screenings
    • No head-to-head contacts or sharing of headgear allowed

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