News Summary
Oneida High School has announced it will remain closed for the upcoming school year due to severe damage caused by flooding. The floodwaters led to significant destruction, affecting essential systems and classrooms. The district is working to find alternative learning spaces and maintain educational continuity for students. Community support has emerged to assist with recovery efforts, highlighting the resilience of the Oneida community. The situation has prompted postponements for important exams and losses in the academic calendar, but the district is committed to keeping families informed throughout the recovery process.
Oneida, NY – Oneida High School will remain closed for the 2025-26 school year due to extensive damage caused by severe flooding that occurred on June 22. The decision affects all students, teachers, staff, and families associated with the school, which has faced significant challenges as a result of the floodwaters.
The flooding led to three to four feet of water in the school’s basement, damaging essential systems such as the boilers, electrical equipment, transformers, and sewage pumps. The inundation of the basement was not the only concern; water also flowed into the first floor of the building, resulting in mud and damage to approximately 15 different rooms, including classrooms, special education rooms, and art areas.
In response to this crisis, the Oneida City School District is actively seeking alternative learning spaces for affected students. Collaborations are underway with neighboring districts, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and other educational partners to ensure that students can continue their education amidst these disruptions. The school’s gymnasium has been converted into a temporary storage area for salvaged furniture and supplies, a testament to the ongoing efforts to recover from the damage.
The flood’s impact was so severe that Regents Exams for students were postponed until further notice. This postponement has added to the already challenging situation for students facing unexpected interruptions to their education. District officials also noted that the final five days of classes that were scheduled before the end of the school year were lost due to the flooding.
Bill Wares, a business official within the school district, has highlighted that the repairs necessary to restore the school will be extensive and likely time-consuming. As the community navigates this challenging period, district officials will continue to provide updates and detailed information to families and staff to keep them informed about the recovery process and any changes to the academic calendar.
Community support has played a vital role in addressing some of the immediate needs related to the flood damage. Local businesses and organizations have come together, including a generous donation of $1,500 from Artani’s Pizza aimed at helping cover damage costs for the school. Such contributions underscore the strength of community solidarity during difficult times.
The catastrophic flooding and the subsequent decision to keep Oneida High School closed for another school year serve as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructures to severe weather events. The superintendent has expressed confidence in the resilience of the Oneida community, asserting that they will find ways to overcome the challenges posed by this situation while remaining committed to keeping everyone “together and strong.”
As the district moves forward with plans to reopen schools in alternative locations, both students and parents can expect to receive continued communication to navigate the upcoming school year effectively. The focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for students and maintaining the continuity of education despite the adversities faced.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oneida High School to Remain 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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
