The proposed Capital Project includes $30 million in improvements across Oneida City School District buildings and the Transportation Building. Planned work includes roof replacements, HVAC upgrades, security improvements, playground enhancements, parking lot repairs, and other building and site improvements.

The total proposed project cost is $30 million.

The project funding is outlined as follows:

82.8% — New York State building aid

13.7% — Retiring debt

3.5% — Capital reserve

No. The proposed Capital Project is planned with no additional tax impact.

The proposed project includes improvements at:

• Oneida High School
• Otto Shortell Middle School
• Willard Prior Elementary School
• Seneca Street Elementary School
• Durhamville Elementary School
• The Transportation Building

Proposed improvements include tennis court upgrades, a new LED monument sign, roof replacements, HVAC system replacements, Fariel Gym HVAC and finish upgrades, refinishing the 1957 Gym floor, a new voice-evacuation fire alarm system, security upgrades, and air conditioning for server rooms.

Planned improvements include replacing the north parking lot, renovating the library and IT spaces, replacing roofs and HVAC systems, upgrading cafeteria finishes, and making security improvements.

Proposed work includes playground upgrades, cafeteria finish and HVAC improvements with air conditioning, a new voice-evacuation fire alarm system, and security upgrades.

Proposed improvements include sitework, playground upgrades, roof replacements, cafeteria finish and HVAC upgrades with air conditioning, a new voice-evacuation fire alarm system, toilet room renovations, and security upgrades.

Planned improvements include site upgrades, play court upgrades, cafeteria HVAC improvements with air conditioning, a new voice-evacuation fire alarm system, toilet room upgrades, and security upgrades.

The proposed project includes replacing bus lifts, renovating interior space, replacing roofs, adding air conditioning to the data closet, and making security and IT upgrades.

The overview identifies several existing conditions that need attention, including tennis courts at the end of their useful life, a deteriorated middle school parking lot, a high school roof in need of replacement, outdated Seneca Street gymnasium and cafeteria spaces, deteriorating outdoor play areas in Durhamville, and bus lifts in need of replacement.

Yes. Security upgrades are included at all six locations. The project also proposes new voice-evacuation fire alarm systems at Oneida High School, Willard Prior, Seneca Street, and Durhamville.

Yes. HVAC improvements or replacements are proposed at multiple buildings, including cafeteria air conditioning at Willard Prior, Seneca Street, and Durhamville, as well as HVAC replacements at Oneida High School and Otto Shortell Middle School.

Yes. Playground upgrades are proposed at Willard Prior and Seneca Street elementary schools. The project also includes tennis court upgrades at Oneida High School, play court upgrades at Durhamville, and sitework improvements at Seneca Street.

The community forum is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Costello Community Center.

The vote is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from noon to 9 p.m.

Durhamville Elementary, 5462 Main St, Durhamville

• For voters living north of the New York State Thruway
• Voters should enter and exit through door “F” and use the vestibule area

Oneida High School, 560 Seneca St, Oneida

• For voters living south of the New York State Thruway
• Voters should enter and exit through door "M" and go to the Fariel Gym

Community members can attend the November 18 community forum to learn more about the proposed improvements and the project before the December 16 vote.

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to review the full webpage and explore all of the Q&As to learn more!

Community members may also email news@oneidacsd.org with additional questions!

While both may appear on your property tax bills, the City of Oneida and Oneida City School District are separate entities with separate budgets.

The City of Oneida does not manage the school district's budget, and the school district does not manage the city's budget. They do not pool or share their operating funds.

• School taxes support Oneida City School District, including teachers, classrooms, transportation, and educational programs.
• City taxes support city services, such as roads, police and fire protection, and municipal operations.

City tax revenue does not fund the school district's operating budget, and school tax revenue does not fund the city's operating budget.

You can email news@oneidacsd.org for additional questions!

Oneida City School District is proposing a $30 million capital project focused on improvements across our schools and Transportation Building.

The proposed project addresses building needs, including roofs, HVAC systems, security, athletic facilities, playgrounds, parking areas, fire alarm systems, and more. The project is planned with no additional tax impact.

Want to learn more? Join us for a Community Forum!

• Wednesday, November 18
• 6:00 p.m.
• Costello Community Center

This is an opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed project, the improvements planned at each building, and the upcoming capital project vote.

Mark your calendar and come learn more about the future of Oneida CSD!

Mark Your Calendar: Capital Project Vote

Oneida CSD community members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed 2026 Capital Project this December.

Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Voting locations:

Durhamville Elementary

5462 Main St, Durhamville

* For voters living North of the New York State Thruway.

* Voters should enter/exit at door "F" and use the vestibule area.

Oneida High School

560 Seneca St, Oneida

* For voters living South of the New York State Thruway.

* Voters should enter/exit at door "M"

The proposed project has a total cost of $30 million and is planned with no additional tax impact.

The project would address improvements throughout the district, including roofs, HVAC, security, athletic spaces, playgrounds, parking areas, fire alarm systems, and other building needs.

Have questions about the project? Join us at the Community Forum:

Wednesday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Costello Community Center

* A Capital Project Newsletter with additional information about the proposed project will be mailed to community members in the coming weeks.

Your Voice. Your Schools. Your Community.

On Wednesday, December 16, Oneida CSD community members will have the opportunity to vote on the district’s proposed 2026 Capital Project.

The $30 million proposal would address important facility and infrastructure needs across the district—from roof and HVAC replacements to playgrounds, athletic facilities, security improvements, and more. The project is planned with no additional tax impact.

Wednesday, December 16, 2026

12:00–9:00 p.m.

Before voting, community members are encouraged to learn about the proposed project and what it would mean for each of our school buildings.

Join us for the Community Forum:

Wednesday, November 18 • 6:00 p.m.

Costello Community Center

Learn. Ask questions. Be informed. Participate.

Did you know the proposed $30 million capital project includes improvements throughout the entire district, with no additional tax impact?

Here are six things to know:

1. $30 Million Project: Improvements are planned throughout the district.

2. No Additional Tax Impact: The project will not increase school taxes.

3. Smart Investment: The project takes advantage of building aid to support district improvements.

4. Every School Benefits: Planned improvements include OHS, OSMS, Willard Prior, Seneca Street, Durhamville and the Transportation Building.

5. Modern, Reliable Systems: Outdated equipment will be replaced to support safer, more efficient schools.

6. Addressing Important Building Needs: Proposed improvements include roofs, HVAC, security, fire alarm systems, parking, playgrounds, athletic facilities and more.

Learn more about the proposed 2026 Capital Project and stay informed as we approach the vote!