History of the AIU

One of 29 intermediate units in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) was formed in 1970 by the General Assembly, and is an arm of the commonwealth’s Department of Education.  Working as a liaison between county and state agencies, the AIU serves the needs of 42 suburban school districts in Allegheny County.

With a presence at 436 sites, the AIU offers nearly 140 programs and services including Head Start classrooms, alternative education options, special education services and professional development opportunities.  The AIU also operates  three schools for children with special needs.  As the largest intermediate unit in the state, the AIU saves money for school districts by providing administrative and financial services such as risk management analysis, membership to a group health insurance consortium and access to joint purchasing programs.

Like all of the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania, the AIU is led by a board of directors, which meets the fourth Monday of every month.  The Executive Leadership Team, consisting of six key decision makers, works in conjunction with the executive director to weave the organization's mission and vision into daily operations.  A Pittsburgh-based organization, the AIU employs about 1,800 people and has an annual budget of about $182 million.  Funding sources include state subsidies, government and foundation grants, contributions from districts and fees for services.