A: Due to a major storm on June 22, 2025, Oneida High School suffered extensive electrical and mechanical damage. After careful assessment, it was determined that the building cannot safely reopen for the 2025-2026 school year.

A: The district received final confirmation on the extent of the damage late Friday, June 18th, and made the difficult decision on Monday, the 21st, to close Oneida High School for the upcoming school year.

A: Yes. The district is actively working on a plan with the leadership team and key partners. Students remain the central focus of our daily efforts and at the forefront of every decision we make.

A: The district is finalizing relocation plans with input from administrators, guidance staff, and local partners. More information will be provided as soon as details are confirmed.

A: The district is committed to supporting all students socially, emotionally, and academically during this transition. Counseling, transportation updates, and communication will be provided to help families adjust.

A: Updates have been and will continue to be posted regularly on our website, and through ParentSquare. Families are encouraged to check these often for the latest news.

A: No. Graduation requirements and academic planning will continue as normal. The district is working closely with guidance staff to ensure students stay on track.

A: The region experienced an intense storm system on June 22nd that resulted in widespread flooding, including the high school. The damage to OHS's infrastructure was severe.

A: We’ve seen incredible support from staff, families, and local organizations. The Oneida community has stepped up in amazing ways.

A: The added costs of the storm should not have any impact on taxes. It is early in the process, and the full cost of recovery is yet to be determined. We have flood coverage as well as some additional building coverages that will help offset some of the costs. We are submitting an Emergency Building project to NYSED for approval. When this is approved, we can expect all expenses in that project back in the 2027-2028 fiscal year based on our NYS building aid ratio. We will also be exploring options for grants and support from NYS and Federal funds.

A: Oneida Varsity, JV, and Modified sports programs will continue as planned. 

The JV and Varsity season is set to commence on August 18, 2025. The Fall Modified program will begin on August 25, 2025.

A: Phone service is currently unavailable due to an outage at the High School, which previously served as the central hub for the district’s network infrastructure. As a result, all buildings are experiencing disruptions in phone connectivity. The IT department is actively working to reroute the system.

A: The district is currently awaiting Spectrum to complete the rerouting of the primary internet connection from the High School to BOCES. Once this transition is finalized, internet access will be restored to Seneca Street Elementary, Willard Prior Elementary and Durhamville Elementary. Northland Communications has restored service to Otto Shortell Middle School and is in the process of completing the line at the District Office.  Oneida High School will continue to remain offline.

A: The district meets daily with the leadership team and key partners to develop a plan. More information will be provided as soon as details are confirmed. 

A: All staff will remain employed. 

A: All students will receive transportation to and from their destinations.