On Friday, June 13, the Oneonta City School District gathered with community members, local officials, and proud alumni to unveil a New York State Historic Marker at the Center Street School building—Oneonta’s oldest remaining public school.
First opened on October 25, 1897, Center Street School has long stood as a pillar of public education in Oneonta. Over its 127-year history, the building has served many roles—from a training school for future teachers through the Oneonta State Normal School, to a bustling elementary school until its closure in 2012. Today, it remains an anchor for the district as the OCSD Central Office.
The historical marker commemorates the building’s lasting contributions to the community and was the first in a city-wide series of planned unveilings recognizing Oneonta’s past. About 30 people attended the event, which featured remarks from Greater Oneonta Historical Society Executive Director Dr. Marcela Micucci, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, and OCSD Superintendent Thomas Brindley.
As part of the ceremony, Superintendent Brindley invited retired Center Street Principal John Cook (1984–2010) to join District Clerk Reggie Ranieri McGuinness in unveiling the marker—a meaningful moment honoring the school’s legacy and those most closely connected to its story. Also in attendance were former Center Street Principal Coleen Moore (2010-2012), now serving as the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and OCSD Board of Education President Susan Kurkowski.
“Although its purpose has changed over the years—from once a school shaping young minds to now our district office building—the work continues,” Brindley said. “This is a tribute to generations of students, educators, and community members who passed through these doors with great hope, great purpose, and great Yellowjacket pride.”
The marker itself, painted in the traditional blue and yellow of New York State’s program, felt especially meaningful. While that color scheme is standard, it also happens to reflect our Yellowjacket pride—something many noted as a fitting coincidence for this historic moment.
This special event not only celebrated the history of Center Street School, but also recognized the Yellowjackets—past, present, and future—who continue to shape the spirit of our school community. The marker now stands proudly at the front of the building, a lasting reminder of its place in Oneonta’s story.
GO 'JACKETS!
