The unexpected decision leaves 500 high school students and their families scrambling for solutions just weeks before the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Oneida City School District announced late Wednesday morning it will not proceed with leasing the former Bishop Grimes High School building, dealing a significant setback to flood recovery efforts. The Oneida school district Bishop Grimes lease fell through after officials discovered extensive upgrades would be needed to make the building suitable for students.

Last-Minute Complications Derail Education Plans

Superintendent Matthew Carpenter announced the decision on social media, explaining that required building improvements made the lease agreement unfeasible. This development comes just two weeks before the scheduled start of the school year on August 26.

The district had been negotiating the lease as a temporary solution after severe flooding on June 22 rendered Oneida High School unsafe for occupancy. Between five and seven feet of water damaged the school’s electrical and mechanical systems, forcing officials to close the building for the entire 2025-2026 school year.

Timeline of the Crisis

• June 22, 2025: Severe storms bring catastrophic flooding to Oneida High School
• July 21: Superintendent announces school closure for full academic year
• August 1: District announces Bishop Grimes lease negotiations
• August 13: Lease agreement canceled due to building requirements

Student and Family Impact

The cancellation affects approximately 500 high school students and their families throughout the Oneida City School District. Parents and students had been preparing for the 25-mile daily commute to the East Syracuse location, which would have added significant travel time and transportation costs.

“We are making the best bad decision from a number of bad decisions,” Carpenter said during a recent press conference, acknowledging the difficult choices facing the district.

Transportation Challenges Avoided

The Bishop Grimes location would have required students to travel approximately 39 minutes each way using toll-free routes, or 31 minutes via the New York State Thruway toll road. The district had been exploring partnerships with transportation companies to handle the increased logistics.

Alternative Solutions Under Consideration

With the Bishop Grimes option eliminated, district officials are exploring remaining alternatives for housing high school students. Previous discussions included:

• Split scheduling at Otto Shortell Middle School
• Partnerships with neighboring school districts
• Temporary classroom facilities within Oneida

The district is working urgently to finalize arrangements before the August 26 start date.

Financial and Insurance Considerations

The flood damage and recovery efforts present significant financial challenges for the district. Officials have identified several funding sources:

• $1 million in insurance coverage for flood damage
• $5 million in requested state and federal aid
• Emergency funding authorization from the school board

Superintendent Carpenter emphasized that recovery costs should not impact local property taxes, as these expenses were not included in the approved budget.

Community Support and Resources

District officials continue engaging with the Oneida community to find suitable alternatives. Mayor Rick Rossi has offered the Kallet Civic Center as a potential venue for school performances and events.

The district maintains active communication with families through:

• Regular updates on the district website
• Parent Square notifications for enrolled families
• Community meetings and press conferences
• Social media announcements for breaking news

Academic and Athletic Programs Continue

Despite the facility challenges, the district confirmed that essential programs will proceed as planned:

• All high school staff will retain their positions
• Course offerings will remain largely unchanged
• BOCES programs will continue as scheduled
• Fall sports begin August 18 for varsity and JV teams

The guidance department continues working on scheduling to minimize disruption to students’ educational plans.

Looking Ahead: Long-Term Recovery

While immediate housing solutions remain uncertain, the district is committed to maintaining educational quality throughout this challenging period. Officials emphasize their dedication to providing students with as normal an educational experience as possible.

The flooding crisis has highlighted the resilience of the Oneida community and the importance of collaborative problem-solving during emergencies. We encourage residents to stay informed about developments and support district efforts to find suitable solutions.

The district promises continued updates as alternative arrangements are finalized. Students and families should monitor official communications channels for the latest information about school placement decisions.