News Summary
Oneida High School will not reopen for the upcoming school year after extensive flood damage from severe weather rendered the building unsafe. With critical infrastructure compromised, the school district is seeking alternative learning environments for students. Community support has emerged, with local businesses stepping up to assist in covering costs. The district emphasizes its commitment to maintaining educational continuity and transparency throughout the recovery process.
Oneida, New York
Oneida High School Will Not Reopen for the 2025-26 School Year Due to Flood Damage
The Oneida School District has announced that Oneida High School will remain closed during the upcoming 2025-26 school year, following extensive flood damage caused by severe weather events on June 22. This decision comes after a thorough assessment of the damage inflicted on the school’s infrastructure, which has rendered the building unsafe and unsuitable for educational activities.
Extent of Flood Damage
The flooding resulted in approximately three to four feet of water inundating the basement of the school. This area housed critical equipment such as boilers, electrical systems, transformers, and sewage pumps, most of which are likely damaged beyond repair. The water entered the building from the parking lots and flowed into hallways and classrooms on the first floor, bringing mud and debris. Around 15 rooms, including typical classrooms, special education areas, and art rooms, were affected by the flooding. The school’s gymnasium was used temporarily to store salvaged furniture and materials that could be recovered.
Impact on School Operations and Students
The floodwaters and resulting damage forced the district to cancel classes in the final five days of the school year. As a consequence, students’ Regents Exams were postponed, and the normal operation of classes could not continue. The damage has created significant disruptions to the academic calendar, prompting the district to explore alternative solutions for students’ learning needs during the upcoming academic year.
Plans for Alternative Learning Spaces
In response to the closure, the Oneida School District is actively working with neighboring school districts, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and other community partners to identify and establish alternative learning environments. The goal is to ensure that students’ education continues without interruption and that the community remains connected and resilient throughout the transition period.
Projected Repair and Recovery Timeline
According to district officials, the repairs required may be extensive and will likely take additional time to complete. Bill Wares, a school financial official, indicated that the damage assessment suggests a lengthy restoration process may be necessary, involving significant repair work and rebuilding efforts. The district has committed to providing regular updates and detailed information to families, staff, and community members as planning progresses.
Community Response and Support
The community’s response to the flooding has been generally supportive. Recognizing the financial strain, a local business, Artani’s Pizza, contributed a $1,500 donation to assist the district in covering some of the damage costs. The district emphasized that its core focus remains on ensuring that students, families, and staff remain together and strong during this challenging period.
Looking Ahead
Superintendent Matthew Carpenter acknowledged that the situation is upsetting for all involved but expressed confidence in the community’s ability to overcome the challenges posed by the flooding. The district is committed to transparency and will continue to communicate plans for recovery and rebuilding efforts as they develop. The closure of Oneida High School for the 2025-26 school year marks a significant setback, but the district’s priority remains on providing educational continuity and supporting the community through this difficult time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oneida High School Remains Closed Due to Flood Damage
Additional Resources
- WKTV: Oneida High School Closure Announcement
- CNY Central: Oneida High School Flood Update
- UticaOD: Flood Damage Forces Oneida High School Closure
- Syracuse.com: Oneida High School Not Opening
- Rome Sentinel: Superintendent on Oneida High School Closure
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: Oneida High School
- Google Scholar: Oneida High School flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Oneida High School closure
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
