News Summary
Oneida High School has announced its closure for the entire school year due to extensive flooding damage caused by a storm. The flooding resulted in severe electrical and mechanical issues, affecting around 500 students. The district is actively seeking alternative learning arrangements while assessing the damage and planning for repairs. This unprecedented event has disrupted education and community cohesion, sparking a response to address the needs of high school students during this challenging time.
Oneida, NY – Oneida High School to Remain Closed for 2025-26 School Year Following Severe Flooding Damage
Oneida High School will remain closed for the entire 2025-26 school year due to significant electrical and mechanical damage caused by flooding from a storm on June 22. This announcement was made by Superintendent Matthew Carpenter on July 21 via the district’s Facebook page. The flooding crisis has left the school infrastructure in a state of disrepair, impacting around 500 students enrolled in grades 9 to 12.
The flooding resulted in water levels reaching three to eight feet in various sections of the school, notably the basement, which contained essential equipment. This catastrophic event destroyed crucial heating and electrical systems, including virtually all breakers, the main switchboard, and the fire alarm panel. Approximately 15 classrooms, special education rooms, art rooms, hallways, and the auditorium experienced extensive water damage, exacerbating the situation. In the interim, the high school gym has been converted into a storage area for salvaged furniture and equipment.
The flooding incident led to the cancellation of Regents Exams and a number of lost instructional days for students. Superintendent Carpenter expressed concern about the disruption to education and the emotional aftermath this has caused for students, teachers, staff, and families. In light of the school’s closure, the district is actively collaborating with neighboring districts, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and other partners to explore alternative learning arrangements to accommodate the affected students.
Oneida High School serves as part of a larger district that includes approximately 1,830 students. The objective is to keep the student body and staff together during this transitional phase while steering clear of remote learning options. The intention is to provide continuity in education despite the challenges presented by this unforeseen event.
This flooding incident marks a disturbing first in the history of Oneida High School, as there are no prior records of such severe flooding occurring at the institution. It coincided with a wider regional disaster; the storm on June 22 not only resulted in flooding but also produced a tornado that caused casualties in neighboring areas. These compounding events have left the entire community reeling.
As repairs and recovery efforts begin, the district is in ongoing discussions with architects and engineers to assess the full extent of the flood damage and to develop long-term solutions that might mitigate the risks of future flooding occurrences. Superintendent Carpenter has committed to providing more detailed information on the school’s plans, potential learning environments, and next steps as the situation develops.
The Oneida community is now faced with an immediate challenge in addressing the educational needs of their high school students while responding to a crisis that has changed the landscape of their school environment. The district remains dedicated to transparency as it navigates this significant disruption and seeks to restore a sense of normalcy for its students and staff.
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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
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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.
