The Oneida City School District is proud to introduce our new School Business Official, William Wares. William Wares has a diverse background in education and business. He has been in education for six years serving in teaching and administration roles. He most recently held the position of 5th-grade teacher at Willard Prior Elementary in the Oneida City School District. Education is a second career for him, beginning after his move back to New York State. His experience also includes many years of project management experience, managing the finances of high-value contracts. His focus and attention to detail led to his projects consistently being on time and under budget. His communication built strong relationships and trust with his customers and contractors. Wares is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 2002-2006. In the Marines, he learned key skills in asset management and leadership. Wares holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a master's degree in Business Administration from Argosy University and a master’s degree in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 from Mercy College.

Greetings Oneida City School District Community! This week’s Superintendent's Video Blast comes from the Oneida High School auditorium lobby as we meet with Director of Music, Marjorie Hawthorne, to discuss the Oneida City School District once again being recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation. This is the ninth year that we have received this recognition. We are grateful to our students, teachers, staff, parents and community members for supporting music across our district. Best, Matt Carpenter, Superintendent

Congratulations to the inaugural class of the Oneida City School District Fine Arts Hall of Fame! The two awardees will be inducted into our Oneida City School District Fine Arts Hall of Fame on June 10, 2024, at 6:00 pm in the newly renovated lobby of the high school auditorium. Meet the winners: Christopher Allen, a 1998 graduate of Oneida High School, is a multiple Grammy Award-winning recording, mixing and mastering engineer. In addition, he has two albums that received JUNO awards. Doug Salati, a 2003 graduate of Oneida High School, is an accomplished author and illustrator, and recipient of the Randolph Caldecott Medal and Ezra Jack Keats Award.

The Willard Prior PTO is having a Brooks BBQ fundraiser. This will help jump-start funds for the next year and the merger of all elementary PTOs. If you are interested – please see the attached. Send order with payment to Amy Hart at Willard Prior – checks payable to Willard Prior PTO. Pick-up is a drive-thru at Willard Prior Elementary on April 3 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Thank you on behalf of the Willard Prior Parent-Teacher Organization.

Greetings Oneida City School District Community! This week’s Superintendent's Video Blast comes from the Oneida High School library as we welcome author Matt Pelicano. Pelicano spoke at a schoolwide assembly on Thursday morning and then met with smaller groups of students throughout the day. We are thankful to Matt Pelicano for sharing his advice and experience with our students, and we appreciate our staff who worked to put this event together. Best, Matt Carpenter, Superintendent