Oneida High School to Remain Closed Due to Flood Damage

News Summary

Oneida High School will remain closed for the upcoming school year following severe flooding that caused extensive damage. The flooding impacted critical infrastructure and learning spaces, leading the district to seek alternative education solutions for students. Efforts are underway to assess damage and ensure clear communication with families as the community rallies for support during this challenging time.

Oneida, NY — Oneida High School will remain closed for the entire 2025-26 school year due to severe damage caused by flooding from a storm on June 22. The flooding resulted in extensive electrical and mechanical damage that has rendered the facility unusable for the upcoming school year.

The school district has initiated collaborative efforts with neighboring districts, BOCES, and other partners to explore alternative learning spaces for students. Superintendent Matthew Carpenter expressed understanding of the disappointment this announcement may cause among students, teachers, staff, and families.

The damaging storm brought three to four feet of water into the school’s basement, impacting crucial equipment such as boilers, electrical systems, transformers, and sewage pumps. The flooding extended its reach from the parking lots into the first floor of the school, resulting in significant mud and water in hallways and classrooms. Approximately 15 rooms, which include general classrooms, special education facilities, and art studios, were negatively affected by the water.

The school’s gym has been repurposed into a storage area for salvaged furniture and other materials from affected classrooms. Due to the flooding, the school district also had to postpone Regents Exams for students, further impacting their academic schedule. With the closure confirmed and repairs anticipated to be both extensive and time-consuming, the exact timeline for reopening the school remains uncertain.

The community has shown strong support in the aftermath of the disaster, including a $1,500 donation from Artani’s Pizza to assist with repair costs. The district has committed to keeping families and staff informed with regular updates as matters progress.

During the flooding, the school lost the final five days of the academic year, contributing to the urgency for a temporary solution for students to continue their education. The district aims to ensure the transition is smooth and helps the community remain “together and strong” amidst these challenges.

As the district continues to assess the damage and plan for repairs, Superintendent Carpenter has reiterated his confidence in the resilience of the Oneida community to overcome obstacles that arise due to this unfortunate situation. The focus will now shift towards providing a supportive and effective learning environment for students during the upcoming school year.

In summary, Oneida High School’s closure for the 2025-26 school year marks a significant setback for the community. The district’s ongoing efforts to secure alternative educational spaces will be critical in mitigating the impact of this event on students’ education. Regular communication with families and updates on the situation will be essential as the school district navigates through this period of recovery and planning.

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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