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The Oneida City School District is closing schools early due to severe storm damage. The district announced that classes are canceled today and tomorrow, giving students an early start to their summer vacation. The decision follows a weekend storm that included a tornado, which tragically claimed three lives in Oneida County.
According to WSYR-TV, Superintendent Matthew Carpenter stated that Oneida High School will remain closed until further notice. However, Willard Prior, Seneca Street, Durhamville, and Otto Shortell Middle School will open on Friday (June 27) for students to collect their belongings. Report cards will be delayed and mailed once access to the school’s system is restored.
The tornado, classified as an EF-1, struck the Clark Mills area, resulting in the deaths of 50-year-old Shelly Johnson and six-year-old twin sisters Emily and Kenni Bisson. Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. expressed condolences to the families affected and declared a state of emergency, which will remain in effect for 30 days. The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many without power and making roads impassable.
As recovery efforts continue, cooling centers and water distribution sites have been set up to assist residents during the ongoing heatwave. The county is also working with the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties to establish a recovery fund for storm victims.
For further updates, parents and students are encouraged to check the district’s website and await communications from their school principals. Anyone needing assistance related to the storm can contact the Oneida County Help Line at 315-798-5502.