Oneida High School flood closure affects community

News Summary

Oneida High School is permanently closed for the 2025-26 academic year due to severe flooding from a storm. The flooding caused extensive damage to electrical and mechanical systems in the school. Superintendent Matthew Carpenter highlighted the impact on the community and the school’s effort to find alternative learning spaces. The situation has also resulted in the postponement of significant academic assessments, with the school committed to maintaining communication with families during this challenging period.

Oneida, NY – Oneida High School will remain closed for the entire 2025-26 school year due to significant damage caused by severe flooding from a storm on June 22. The flooding resulted in extensive electrical and mechanical damage, leading the school district to make the difficult decision to not reopen the facility during the upcoming academic year.

Superintendent Matthew Carpenter has recognized the impact this closure has on students, teachers, staff, and families within the community. As the situation continues to unfold, the school district is actively working to find alternative learning spaces in collaboration with neighboring districts, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and other community partners.

The flooding that occurred during the storm caused three to four feet of water to accumulate in the school’s basement, where essential equipment such as boilers, electrical systems, transformers, and sewage pumps are located. These critical components suffered extensive damage, aggravating the regrettable situation. Additionally, water overflowed from the surrounding parking lots and infiltrated the first floor of the school, resulting in significant mud and water damage in hallways and classrooms.

Approximately 15 rooms within the school were directly affected by the flooding, including vital areas like classrooms, special education rooms, and art studios. As a temporary measure, the school’s gymnasium has been repurposed for the storage of salvaged furniture and equipment that may potentially be restored or reused in the future.

The disruption has also led to a delay in important academic assessments, specifically the Regents Exams for students, which have been postponed due to the ongoing circumstances related to the school’s closure. School district officials have noted that the necessary repairs are anticipated to be both extensive and time-consuming, causing further challenges in returning to a state of normalcy.

As a result of the flooding, the school lost its final five days of classes for the academic year, placing additional strain on students and faculty who were due to complete their curriculum. The community, however, has rallied around the school in support, exemplified by a generous $1,500 donation from a local business, Artani’s Pizza, intended to assist with the costs associated with the damage.

The school district has committed to providing regular updates and detailed information to families and staff as they navigate this challenging period. Community resilience remains a pivotal focus, with efforts underway to ensure that the transition to alternative learning environments maintains the connection and strength of the Oneida community.

Superintendent Carpenter has expressed optimism regarding the community’s ability to overcome these challenges, emphasizing his confidence in the resolve and solidarity of the residents of Oneida. The district is dedicated to ensuring that students continue to receive quality education despite the current hurdles, as they work towards recovery and rebuilding.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Oneida High School Remains Closed Due to Flood Damage

Oneida High School Closes for Year Due to Flood Damage

News Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: HERE LOS ANGELES