News Summary
Oneida High School will remain closed for the upcoming school year following extensive flooding that caused severe damage to electrical and mechanical systems. Superintendent Matthew Carpenter announced the decision after water levels reached significant heights, impacting classrooms and essential facilities. The school district is now exploring alternative learning options for approximately 500 affected students while ensuring their safety and continuity in education during this challenging time.
Oneida, NY – Oneida High School will remain closed for the 2025-26 school year due to severe flooding that caused significant electrical and mechanical damage. Superintendent Matthew Carpenter announced the decision on July 21 through the district’s social media channels.
The flooding, which took place during a storm on June 22, resulted in water levels reaching between three to eight feet in different areas of the school. The basement, where critical equipment was stored, sustained major damage. This incident destroyed crucial infrastructure, including almost all electrical breakers, the main switchboard, and the fire alarm panel.
The impact of the flooding was extensive, affecting approximately 15 classrooms, special education rooms, art studios, hallways, and the auditorium. Due to the condition of these areas, the high school gym has been temporarily repurposed as a storage space for salvaged furniture and educational materials.
The district’s operations were disrupted further by the flooding, leading to the postponement of Regents Exams and resulting in lost instructional days. Superintendent Carpenter expressed concerns regarding the emotional toll this situation has taken on students, educators, staff, and families throughout the community.
In light of the high school’s closure, the district is currently exploring alternative learning spaces in collaboration with neighboring districts, BOCES, and other potential partners to accommodate the affected students. The aim is to keep the student body and staff together in a cohesive learning environment while avoiding a shift to remote learning measures. Approximately 500 students in grades 9 through 12 will be impacted by these developments, while the entire school district serves around 1,830 students.
The storm that caused the flooding not only affected Oneida High School but also led to significant damage in the surrounding region. A tornado associated with the storm resulted in casualties in neighboring areas, underscoring the severe weather’s widespread impact.
This flooding incident has been described as unprecedented for Oneida High School, with no historical records indicating that the institution has faced such a disaster before. The district is currently engaged in ongoing discussions with architects and engineers to assess the damage thoroughly and determine appropriate measures to prevent similar flooding situations in the future.
Superintendent Carpenter has committed to providing more detailed information about the school’s plans and next steps as they develop. As the district navigates these challenges, they are focused on the safety and wellbeing of their students and staff while striving for continuity in education during this uncertain period.
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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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