Meet Oneida CSD Alumni Mark Spawn, Class of 1978

For Mark, some of his favorite school memories began in Wampsville — including a memorable transition from a small neighborhood school to a new chapter in the district’s history.

One of Mark’s favorite memories from his time at Oneida was the day students moved from the small school on the hill on Genesee Street into the new Wampsville Elementary School, the building that would later become Otto L. Shortell Middle School.

Mark attended Mrs. Marjorie Pebbles’ second-grade class at the small school, where Mrs. Hazel Coon served as principal. At the time, the school served students in grades 1–3, while kindergarten was held at the Wampsville Village Hall/Fire Department building on Court Street.

The Wampsville school has an interesting place in Oneida CSD history. The former Wampsville Elementary School on Markell Drive was eventually remodeled and reopened as Otto L. Shortell Memorial Middle School, connecting the building Mark remembers as an elementary school to the middle school that serves Oneida students today. Historical accounts confirm that the remodeled former Wampsville Elementary School reopened as Otto L. Shortell Memorial Middle School in the mid-1980s. Today, the school continues to serve Oneida CSD students at 200 Markell Drive in Wampsville.

For Mark, however, the building's history is more than dates and names — it represents the place where some of his earliest school memories were made.

After graduating from Oneida High School in 1978, Mark continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire. In 1995, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Mark went on to build a distinguished career in law enforcement. He served with the City of Fulton Police Department and ultimately served as its Chief of Police for 11 years. He later served as Director of Research and Training for the New York State Chiefs of Police, continuing his work in law enforcement leadership, professional development, and training.

Today, Mark continues to share his experience and passion for law enforcement and investigative work as the co-producer and host of the true-crime audio podcast series APB: Cold Case and APB: Behind the Badge.

To future graduates, Mark offers this advice: "Your early career years are when you begin building the habits, relationships, reputation, and character that can shape the rest of your life. Say yes to opportunities that challenge you. Learn from people who know more than you do. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—just make sure you learn from them. Work hard, be dependable, and treat people well."

From a small school on a hill in Wampsville to a career dedicated to law enforcement and public service, Mark’s journey is a wonderful example of the many paths Oneida CSD alumni take after graduation.

Thank you, Mark, for sharing your memories and for being part of the Oneida CSD alumni story!