The Oneida City School District is proud to announce that the Board of Education has officially appointed current Oneida High School Assistant Principal, Erin Belanger, as the next Principal of Oneida High School, effective July 1.

Mrs. Belanger steps into this role with deep roots in the Oneida community. Born and raised in Oneida, she is a proud graduate of Oneida High School, Class of 2001. As someone who grew up here and now raises her own family in the district, her connection to our schools runs generations deep. Her journey reflects not only professional dedication, but a genuine personal commitment to the success and well-being of every student who walks through our doors.

Erin is a lifelong learner, continuously building on her expertise through advanced study and professional growth. She holds an Associate’s degree in Music Education from Onondaga Community College, as well as both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Syracuse University. She also earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from SUNY Oswego and completed the New York State Superintendent Development Program.

She began her career in education as a K–12 music teacher at Stockbridge Valley Central School, where she spent 14 years inspiring students through the arts. For the past five years, she has served as Assistant Principal at Oneida High School, where she has been a steady, supportive, and student-centered leader.

Over that time, Mrs. Belanger has built strong relationships with students, staff, and families. She credits her colleagues for helping shape her leadership and prepare her for this next chapter, sharing:

"Much of what has prepared me for this next chapter comes from the work we have done together over the past five years. I appreciate each of you for your professionalism, patience, and commitment to our students. I’m proud of what you all have built before my time and what we continue to build on each day."

In this next chapter, Mrs. Belanger looks forward to continuing to build a school environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. She is passionate about creating a place where students want to be—one that offers meaningful opportunities to help them build fulfilling futures. She believes in allowing students the space to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow within a safe and welcoming environment into responsible, kind young adults.

She is also committed to bringing the district’s Portrait of a Graduate to life, ensuring that each and every student leaves Oneida High School equipped with the tools and skill set needed to pursue whatever path they choose.

Outside of school, Mrs. Belanger leads an active and balanced life. When she isn’t working, you can often find her out for a run—she is currently training for a half marathon at Walt Disney World next year. She is also an avid reader who enjoys a wide range of literary genres. She and her husband, her high school sweetheart, are celebrating their 20-year anniversary this year. Together, they are the proud parents of two children who attend Oneida schools.

This appointment also marks a significant and historic moment for Oneida High School. The principalship at the high school level has traditionally been male-dominated, and Mrs. Belanger will become the first female principal in the school’s history—a meaningful milestone that reflects the strength, leadership, and progress within our district.

"I am incredibly proud to step into this role as the first female principal and to have the opportunity to collaborate with our community to meet the needs of the 21st-century student."

Her message to students is both simple and powerful: with hard work and consistency, barriers can be overcome and goals can be achieved.

Superintendent Matthew Carpenter shared, “Mrs. Belanger’s leadership, dedication, and deep roots in this community make her the ideal choice to lead Oneida High School. This historic appointment is a proud moment for our district, and we are confident she will continue to inspire and empower our students.”

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Belanger on this well-deserved appointment. We are excited for the future of Oneida High School under her leadership and the continued growth of our school community.