Our School

Small but powerful, Otto-Eldred Elementary School is a place where your child will gain a strong academic foundation and build good character along the way. With approximately 360 students from kindergarten through 6th grade and only 20 students in our average classroom, we take pride in the fact that students can receive the one-on-one attention each needs from his or her teacher.

If you ever have questions for us or would like to tour our campus, don’t hesitate to contact us or pay us a visit.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Here at Otto-Eldred, technology is integrated into every classroom. Kindergarteners regularly use iPads to develop literacy skills. Our district was a finalist for a KTO Innovation Award. We are continuously updating our curriculum to meet the quickly advancing needs of today’s students.

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