Our School

Welcome to Otto-Eldred High School. Our students range from seventh graders to seniors, and we find that this age span makes for a fun and dynamic academic environment. Because of our small class sizes and excellent student-teacher ratios, we offer the kind of personalized educational experience that might not be possible for students attending larger high schools.

With an eye on the future, our teachers and staff cultivate an atmosphere of growth that empowers our students to learn with purpose and take ownership of their choices. We encourage you to review the mission and values that drive our actions as teachers, staff, and students

Our Values

  • We believe all students can learn and succeed given appropriate standards-based curriculum and researched-based instruction.
  • We believe staff and physical facilities should provide a supportive, safe, and secure environment in which to learn.
  • We believe each student is unique and that the educational experience should encourage and develop creativity and innovation.
  • We believe educational excellence must be supported by continuous evaluation of facilities and resources, engaging instructional practices, and effective use of technology.
  • We believe education is a lifelong pursuit, and students must be equipped with the skills for success to compete and thrive in a technology-driven global society.
  • We believe in dedication to excellence and high academic expectations while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • We believe academic excellence is achieved through innovative and engaging instruction that is supported through continual and individualized professional development.
  • We believe education should promote gratitude over entitlement, character development, ethical behavior, and a positive self-image leading to being responsible citizens.
  • We believe effective leadership at all levels is essential to the success of our educational program.
  • We believe encouragement and support of innovation, flexibility, and creativity is necessary in order to successfully adapt to change.
  • We believe that the school, students, family, and community should have shared responsibility and shared decision-making in the educational process through collaboration and communication.
  • We believe excellence in all areas is identifiable, measurable, achievable, and worthy of pursuit.

A Message from Our Administration

Welcome to Summer!

Well, the calendar shows June, but our weather has not quite caught up yet. Below are some updates that students, staff, and community will see at Otto-Eldred for the 2025–2026 school year. Some updates are new, and others are improvements. Either way, our administration and staff are dedicated to continual improvement of our programming, services, and security. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our district office with any questions at (184) 817-1380, option 3.

In an effort to better serve the needs of our community and help grow our students, Otto-Eldred will offer full-day four-year-old kindergarten class for the first time in 2025–2026. Otto-Eldred’s half-day four-year-old kindergarten program has been in operation for over twenty-five years. Two years ago, the classrooms were moved inside the elementary building. With the focus on improving our early childhood education opportunities, the updated programming will allow our staff to provide a more complete learning experience. The schedule will include daily breakfast, lunch, snack-time, and most importantly, more opportunities to socialize with peers. Registration packets will be accepted all summer for students that will turn four-years-old by September 1, 2025.

Last summer, the PA Legislature adopted Act 55 of 2024, requiring school districts to provide for armed security on school grounds. Otto-Eldred received a waiver for the 2024–2025 school year but will start the 2025–2026 school year with armed security guards in place. Otto Township Police Department will continue to provide a school resource officer on an hourly basis per month. The security guards will be responsible for maintaining security at our buildings during the school day.

Last March, the Pennsylvania State Police performed a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. Over this summer, we will be implementing many of these recommendations which will include improved signage inside and outside our buildings along with reduced landscaping around buildings.

By the end of June, the high school roof project will be complete. The lifespan of the new roof and re-coated roof will be at least twenty years. With the investments in our roof systems, electrical systems, and HVAC systems, our buildings are in great shape for the future! By carefully planning for the use of our ARP/ESSERS funds, as well as DCED grants through the state of Pennsylvania, the overall cost to our community is minimal. Future needs will include updates to public address systems, a resurfacing of the high school track, and a smaller roof project.

Over the last two school years, our high school students have completed well over 130 dual enrollment credits through our dual enrollment partners. Our students are graduating with the opportunity to earn thirty or more college credits; all transferred to our most commonly utilized universities. The result— tens of thousands of dollars saved in college tuition! In many circumstances, students are able to graduate college at least a semester early! During the 2025–2026 school year, additional opportunities will be available for courses through the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College.

Our comprehensive planning is coming to a close this summer. The focus will be on improving math outcomes at both buildings. A new math series at the elementary and continued improvements at the high school will be critical in this plan.

In mid-July, our Ag department will be hosting the PA Ag Educator Conference! Kudos to Mr. Witmer and Mr. Dickerson for their work to provide this exposure to our program and to our region. Educators will have the opportunity to travel the PA Wilds to see the impact of planning in our region. The new shop equipment, replacing the decades-old planer, drill press, jointer, and more, will be installed prior to the conference. The new equipment is made possible through the CTE Equipment grant offered through the PA Department of Education each year.

As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, I want to express my gratitude to our families, staff, and community partners for their continued support and collaboration. These updates reflect our shared commitment to student success, school safety, and educational excellence. Otto-Eldred is a strong, connected community, and together we will continue to build a district that our students and families are proud to call home. I wish everyone a safe and restful summer, and we look forward to welcoming our students back in August!

Matthew D. Splain

Superintendent