Oneida High School Faces Closure Due to Flooding Damage

News Summary

Oneida High School has announced it will remain closed for the upcoming school year following severe flooding that caused extensive electrical and mechanical damage. The flooding on June 22 led to significant loss of vital systems and affected numerous classrooms and the auditorium. The school district is actively seeking alternative education options for approximately 500 students while addressing the recovery efforts and ensuring continuity for the students impacted by this unprecedented event.

Oneida – Oneida High School will remain closed for the 2025-26 school year due to extensive electrical and mechanical damage resulting from severe flooding. This announcement was made by Superintendent Matthew Carpenter on July 21 through the district’s official Facebook page, affirming the urgency and gravity of the situation.

The flooding incident occurred on June 22 during a powerful storm, which caused water levels to rise between three to eight feet in different areas of the school. Unfortunately, this included the basement where vital equipment was installed. This flooding has resulted in the destruction of crucial systems such as heating and electrical networks, leading to the loss of nearly all breakers, the main switchboard, and the fire alarm panel.

Approximately 15 classrooms, several special education rooms, art rooms, hallways, and the auditorium were affected by the water damage. Meanwhile, the high school gymnasium has been repurposed as a temporary storage area for salvaged furniture and other items that can still be used.

The severe flooding not only caused significant structural damage but also led to the postponement of the Regents Exams, contributing to lost instructional days for the affected students. Carpenter expressed concerns about the disruption caused by this event and its emotional toll on students, teachers, staff, and families involved with Oneida High School.

In light of these developments, the school district is actively exploring alternative learning options for its approximately 500 students in grades 9 through 12. The district plans to collaborate with neighboring school districts, BOCES, and other educational partners to ensure that students can continue their education without reverting to remote learning formats. The school authorities emphasize their commitment to maintaining continuity for the student body and staff.

In total, Oneida School District encompasses around 1,830 students. The recent flooding is unprecedented in the history of Oneida High School, as there are no prior records indicating similar flood incidents affecting the institution.

The storm that caused the flooding also led to serious regional disturbances, including a tornado that resulted in casualties and destruction in nearby areas. Such extreme weather events have increased awareness of the need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Currently, the school district is in ongoing discussions with architects and engineers to assess the full extent of the flood damage. These discussions aim not only to evaluate the immediate needs for recovery but also to implement measures that will help prevent similar occurrences in the future. Carpenter has committed to providing further detailed information regarding the school’s plans and next steps in the near future.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented flooding, efforts remain focused on ensuring that affected students receive the support and educational resources they need during this challenging time.

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Additional Resources

• WKTV News
• Wikipedia: Oneida County, New York
• CNY Central
• Google Search: Oneida High School flood damages
• UticaOD
• Google Scholar: Oneida High School flooding
• Syracuse.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
• WSYR
• Google News: Oneida High School flood closure