Tag: feasibility study
Video series addresses key merger topics
Canajoharie and Fort Plain Central School Districts are exploring a merger. A non-binding straw poll vote to gauge community support for a merger will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in each school district.
To help residents make an informed decision about the potential merger, Canajoharie Superintendent Dr. Nick Fitzgerald and Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman have prepared a series of informational videos that address some of the key issues and questions residents and others have asked in recent surveys, meetings and forums.
Topics include:
- Building Configuration
- Enrollment and Class Size
- Employment/Jobs (release date: Feb. 23, 2025)
- Finances (release date: Feb. 25, 2025)
Videos will be available here and at the Merger Resources space in the coming days.
Questions?
As always, please feel free to contact Superintendent Crisman, lauren.crisman@fortplain.org, 518-993-4000, ext. 1000 with questions you may have about the potential merger.
Merger Public Forums – February 10 & 26
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to participate in one of several public forums 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 dates and locations
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Cafeteria
- 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.
We encourage everyone — parents, students, teachers, staff and community members — to attend one of the forums.
Merger Feasibility Study update, upcoming “straw vote” set
Dear Community Members,
At the Jan. 16, 2025 joint Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Board of Education Meeting, action was taken to continue to seek community input regarding a potential school merger.
Both communities will now hold a non-binding Straw Vote on March 6, 2025 to learn if there is community support for a merger.
Additional details will be forthcoming about the time and location for voting.
Learn more about the Merger Feasibility Study at upcoming forums
Prior to casting a vote, we invite you to participate in one of several community forums 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.
Forum dates and locations
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Fort Plain/Harry Hoag Elementary School Cafeteria
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Cafeteria
- 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.
We encourage everyone — parents, students, teachers, staff and community members — to attend one of the forums.
Join the conversation about the Merger Feasibility Study
We have launched a final ThoughtExchange to learn more about the community reactions to the Feasibility Study and the potential merger.
Please follow this link to participate in the ThoughtExchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/745964927
We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Merger Feasibility Study report and resources
During 2024, Fort Plain CSD engaged in a Feasibility Study to examine the long term sustainability of our district, as well as the possible benefits and challenges associated with potentially merging with Canajoharie CSD.
Local school teams in collaboration with the consultants for the study carefully analyzed critical data points including operational efficiencies, financial records, and student performance and program data.
Using that data, the consultants compiled a comprehensive report that is now available for review.
New Year greetings and Feasibility Study updates
A joint board meeting on Jan. 16, 2025 offers the community the chance to learn about the findings of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain Merger Feasibility Study. Learn more in this letter to the community from Fort Plain Superintendent Lauren Crisman:
Dear Fort Plain Families and Community Members,
Happy 2025! I trust this letter finds you well. As we enter into the new year, I am excited at the prospect of what lies ahead. This is a time period where we can embrace a sense of possibilities and set intentions for the future.
2025-26 school budget-making process begins
Throughout January, several important activities will occur in our district. As is tradition, we will begin planning the school budget for the 2025-26 school year. That process involves assessing the district’s revenues and expenditures as related to staffing, materials and equipment. In addition, we review our needs and determine budget priorities that will best support our mission of preparing every student for success beyond graduation.
Feasibility Study updates
As many well know, this year FPCSD engaged in a Feasibility Study to examine the long term sustainability of our district as well as the possible benefits and challenges associated with potentially merging with Canajoharie CSD.
The local school teams in collaboration with the consultants have carefully analyzed critical data points including operational efficiencies, financial records and student performance and program data. Using that data, the consultants have compiled a comprehensive report. The Boards of Education for both districts and the community will now have a chance to review the contents of the study.
View the resources related to the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Merger Feasibility Study.
Learn about the Feasibility Study findings – Jan. 16
There will be a joint meeting of the school boards on Jan. 16, 2025 at 6 p.m. in the Canajoharie High School Auditorium where the consultants will present their findings. I invite you to attend this meeting, which is open to all interested members of the public.
Thank you for your continued support. Take good care!
Sincerely,
Lauren Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Seasonal events and feasibility study update: a message from Superintendent Lauren Crisman
Dear Fort Plain Community,
As the holiday season approaches, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the joy this time of year brings!
Seasonal activities and events
- Winter athletic competitions are well underway. View the schedule of events at the Athletics page of our website)
- The PTA will host a Donuts & Drawing event on Friday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. at Harry Hoag Elementary School.
- The annual Grade 5-12 Winter Concert is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 6 pm in the Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium.
Rumor has it, a special guest from the North Pole will visit the Morning Program to say hello to our littlest learners sometime this month, too.
We hope you can join us for these wonderful seasonal events!
Feasibility Study update
As many of you already know, the district chose to engage in a Feasibility Study to explore a potential merger with Canajoharie CSD. Over the course of the next two months, the study will conclude and the Boards of Education will make a determination regarding next steps.
Upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Feasibility Study
- Dec. 12, 2024 – Final Advisory Committee meeting, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Canajoharie CSD. Committee members will be touring the facilities prior to the meeting.
- Jan. 16, 2025 – Joint Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m. at Canajoharie CSD. The Feasibility Study consultants are scheduled to present a final report to both boards at this meeting and discuss their findings.
- Jan. 22, 2025 – Joint Board of Education meeting, 6 p.m. at Fort Plain CSD. At this meeting, the Boards will take part in an open discussion of the study recommendations and determine the next steps.
Community members, students, staff and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings.
View resources related to the Canajoharie and Fort Plain CSD Merger Feasibility Study.
In closing, should you have any comments or questions about the Feasibility Study, the future actions of the Board or school organization, please feel free to contact me directly at lauren.crisman@fortplain.org or 518-993-4000, ext. 1000
Wishing each of you a wonderful season of merriment!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Crisman
Superintendent of Schools
Share your thoughts: feasiblity study ThoughtExchange now open
Dear Fort Plain CSD Community,
We’re about midway through our feasibility study exploring the possibility of joining the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts into a new, unified district. At this point, we’re reaching out again to invite your thoughts, questions and ideas through a new ThoughtExchange process.
Your input is crucial as we consider the impact and potential of this initiative.
This study aims to understand the potential benefits, challenges and effects of centralizing our districts. It is focused on three main areas:
- Educational experiences: Will this benefit students and improve the quality of education?
- Organizational capacity: Can we improve resource sharing and overall efficiency?
- Financial sustainability: Would centralizing help with long-term financial stability and wise use of resources?
We’re looking at factors like the quality of education, efficient use of resources and fiscal responsibility to see if joining the two districts could lead to stronger, more sustainable schools.
The study will help us decide if this change can improve educational outcomes and support a vibrant, well-rounded school community.
View documents related to the study’s progress, to-date.
Share your thoughts on this process through ThoughtExchange
This next ThoughtExchange will allow you to:
- Share any questions or thoughts you have about the study’s progress so far.
- Review and rate the ideas of others to help us see what’s most important to everyone.
Follow this link to participate with this ThoughtExchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/432834459
Thank you for helping us make informed decisions for our schools. Your voice is a valuable part of this conversation about our future.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lauren Crisman, Superintendent
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
Merger Feasibility Study and Vote
The Canajoharie and Fort Plain central school districts conducted a merger study in 2024. The districts received state aid to help cover the cost of the study. Additionally, both have applied for grant funding to cover the remainder of the costs.
This study, approved by each district’s Board of Education, is a required first step any time two or more districts are considering a merger. The study began in June of 2024 and culminated in January 2025 with a presentation of the findings to the communities.
On Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, the boards of education jointly decided the process should move forward after reviewing the study. A series of votes of the communities would then be required. The first vote, or Straw Vote, will take place on March 6, 2025.
Learn more about the proposed merger
Forum Dates and Locations
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 6 p.m. — Virtual Meeting – Click this link: meet.google.com/mgr-fpka-nzx
Resources
Feasibility Study advisory committee appointed, focus group signup
Dear Community Members,
On July 30, 2024, both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Boards of Education appointed select applicants to the Advisory Committee for the Feasibility Study.
The following people were appointed:
- Donald Bramer
- Lauri Broady
- Jed Brown
- Jamie Bunker
- Tracey Conover
- Jessica Hecht
- Lindsey Hodge
- Todd Jones
- Sara McDuffee
- Michele Nare
- Laura Pamkowski
- Nadine Paul
- Karlene Peck
- Kyra Powylan
- Patricia Prime
- Samantha Sherwood
- Lori Shults
- Dale Smith
- Neal VanSlyke
- Edward Watt
The charge for all committee members is to:
- fully commit to, and actively support, the study process.
- remain open to learning throughout the process.
- share relevant perspectives and experiences.
- clarify and probe data, information and insights shared by consultants.
- communicate openly, factually, and continuously with the public.
The committee will meet on the following dates (meetings are open to the public):
Aug. 21, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Meeting at Fort Plain CSD, Harry Hoag Elementary School Library Media Center.
Sept. 12, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Oct. 17, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Nov. 14, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Virtual (onsite connection for participants at both the Canajoharie and Fort Plain districts.)
Dec. 12, 2024 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Meeting at Canajoharie CSD.
Focus group discussions to be held this October
In addition, the focus group discussions related to the Feasibility Study have been rescheduled for October 30, 2024. Focus groups scheduled for this summer were not held due to a low applicant response.
Please apply with the following link if you would like to be considered for participation with a focus group. If you applied previously, please apply again and select a new time and location.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJSh2M2lPK-R3jJiPhlrsh3dUU5N5p2HhzX0w-VEemo64UZw/viewform
Thank you in advance to the volunteers listed above for their willingness to represent the community’s perspectives, ideas and questions.
As always, please reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lauren H. Crisman, Superintendent