Tag: school budget
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.
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
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.