Who We Are

The intermediate unit is an organization through which school districts can work cooperatively to provide services they cannot afford or prefer not to offer individually. By providing certain services cooperatively, districts can avoid duplication of personnel, building space, instructional materials, and equipment. Intermediate Unit Nine (IU9) also has been assigned responsibilities by the legislature and by the department of education.

The intermediate unit is a part of Pennsylvania’s educational system. Established July 1, 1971, intermediate units replaced the county offices of education. By legislation, all 500 school districts in Pennsylvania belong to one of the 29 intermediate units.

About Intermediate Unit Nine

Intermediate Unit Nine is the intermediate unit in Pennsylvania that replaced the offices of education of Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties. It serves 11,743 public school students in 14 school districts and 839 non-public school students in six schools. Intermediate Unit Nine covers an area of 3,300 square miles with a population of 92,921.

Financing the Intermediate Unit

IU9 receives payment for the services it provides from the 14 member districts in addition to other state and federal funds.

Public Records Requests

Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit IX (IU9) recognizes the importance of making public records available for review and inspection by members of the public. IU9 also recognizes the need to maintain confidentiality of certain records as required by law. IU9 shall make public records available for inspection and/or duplication in accordance with applicable law and the guidelines as addressed in its Public Access to Public Records Policy, as adopted by the Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit IX Board of School Directors.

This board policy includes the following:

  • Procedure for Requesting Records
  • Definitions of Types of Records
  • Records Exempt from Disclosure
  • Requesting Public Records

All requests for public records must specifically identify and describe each record requested; include the date of the request, the requester’s name, address, telephone number and signature; include a certification that the individual submitting the request is a United States resident; and, if duplication of records is requested, include the appropriate payment.

All requests for public records must be submitted in writing to the Open Records Officer either in person, by mail, by facsimile, or through electronic mail. Please use the form below to facilitate records requests.

Right to Know Records Request Form

Address questions regarding access to IU9 public records to:

Anita R. Danielson
Assistant to the Executive Director & Open Records Officer
Seneca Highlands IU9
119 S Mechanic Street
Smethport, PA 16749

P: (814) 887-5512
F: (814) 887-2157

Pricing Information

Per the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, IU9 has established fees for costs related to providing requested public records, including those for copying and postage. As prescribed by the Office of Open Records, "No fee may be imposed for an agency's review of a record to determine whether the record is a public record, legislative record, or financial record subject to access in accordance with this Act. No fee may be charged for searching for or retrieval of documents. An agency may not charge staff time or salary for complying with a 'Right to Know' request."

Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law Information

Notice of Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of the Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit IX not to discriminate on the basis of sex, age, handicap, race, color, religion, marital status, veterans status, or national or ethnic origin in its educational program, admission policies, employment policies, enforced by federal law under Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.