When Gary Otis roamed the hallways of Wyalusing Area School District in northern PA as a high schooler, he did not picture himself one day serving as principal, let alone the district superintendent. Yet, after a career that saw him ascend through the ranks of biology teacher, coach, assistant principal, and finally principal, his community approached him when the need arose for a new superintendent.

The support and encouragement of the Wyalusing community meant a lot to Otis, whose wife is a teacher in the district and whose three children all attended district schools. He entered a competitive national search process and after several rounds of interviews, the school board named him Acting Superintendent in December 2023.

This being an unexpected and quick-moving turn of events, Otis found himself in need of both a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (LoE) and a program that would allow him to earn it despite a full schedule.

He found the right fit in the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s (CCIU) LoE Program, offered in partnership with West Chester University.

"I loved that the courses were taught by sitting superintendents. They had real-life experience that you can’t replace. It was invaluable to learn from them and hear their stories," Otis said of the program.

Apart from the expertise offered by fellow superintendents, Otis also praised the program for its predictable, fully remote schedule, as well as its intentional pacing, offering one course at a time.Of the coursework, Otis says that the discussions, readings, and assignments all provided him with strategies he would later use daily in his role as superintendent.

Otis had his pick of programs when it came to earning his LoE, but he was impressed with the seamlessness, efficiency, and personal guidance offered in the CCIU’s program through West Chester University.

“We pride ourselves in giving our candidates the support they need to succeed in our programs”, said Dave Humes, coordinator of program development for the CCIU, who oversees the LoEprogram. “By the time Gary finished, I felt like I got to know him through our discussions about his career and aspirations. I’m proud that we were able to help him earn his superintendent LoE. His success is our success, as we enjoy the feeling of helping foster a pipeline of leaders in PA education.”

Since completing the program, Otis says that whenever colleagues ask for advice on where to earn their LoE, his answer is always the same: "Unequivocally, I always steer them to the CCIU program." 

To learn more about the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility program offered through CCIU, please visit CCIU.org/LoE.