High school students in the Oneida school district are set to follow a specific educational blueprint this autumn, as district officials have chosen a definite strategy.
In a recent turn of events, the Oneida City School District has announced a temporary solution for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, with the first day of school set for September 4. The district has faced challenges due to extensive damage caused by a major storm in June 2025, which necessitated the closure of Oneida High School for the 2025-2026 school year [1].
Initially, the district announced plans to temporarily use the former Bishop Grimes Jr/Sr High School. However, these plans have since been reversed, and the school will not be used due to damage from flooding. Specific reasons for this change were not disclosed.
The district has instead chosen to house its 500 high school students at the Otto Shortell Middle School for half-days. In the morning, high school students will occupy the campus, while middle school students will use the school in the afternoon. The specific scheduling for each grade, how the shorter days will meet educational requirements, and transportation options remain unavailable at this time.
The district has considered various options for temporary schooling, including Cazenovia College, Rome Catholic School, Oneida Ltd., BOCES, and neighboring districts. However, details regarding these possibilities have not been shared.
Parents have expressed frustration on social media about not knowing where their students will be attending schools in a few short weeks. The district encourages families to reach out to them via email, phone, or messenger for more information.
The district has been proactive in avoiding splitting high school students into different locations or restarting remote learning. This decision demonstrates their commitment to providing a consistent educational experience for students during these challenging times.
For the most up-to-date information about the Oneida City School District's temporary solution during the 2021-2022 school year, it would be best to contact the district directly or check their official website for historical updates.
[1] Source: Oneida Dispatch, "Oneida High School to remain closed for the 2025-2026 school year due to storm damage" (June 25, 2025)
In response to the temporary closure of Oneida High School, the district has made arrangements for students to attend Otto Shortell Middle School for half-days, demonstrating their commitment to education-and-self-development during challenging times. Parents are encouraged to reach out to the district for further details about scheduling, educational requirements, and transportation options.
