HAMMONDSVILLE — Edison Local Schools are celebrating after earning a gold award from the state for its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports practices.

The district received the distinction from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for initiatives to bolster and reward positive behaviors in students at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary schools and Edison Junior-Senior High School. All of the buildings received a gold rating following a review by state officials which led to the district gaining an overall award.

Amy Bordash, district College Credit Plus, gifted and state testing administrator, said every school applies based on a tiered system. PBIS teaches students how to react positively and promotes a positive school culture, while it also works to reduce negative behaviors at school.

“The state evaluated us and our the PBIS processes and incentives in the buildings and the evaluator checks to see if we met all the qualifications, and you could get bronze, silver or gold,” Bordash added. “Because all of the buildings got gold, they presented us with the district award.”

She was pleased with the efforts of each building’s staff and students to achieve the award.

“I’m really proud of the PBIS teams, the teachers, and staff in the buildings. They really work hard to make each building a positive place for the students,” she added. “Each team meets and looks at the data to help inform decisions. They are looking at exactly what’s happening in the buildings.”

There are three tiers of PBIS which correspond to the levels of expectations, with Tier I being more all-encompassing and Tiers II and III being more specified. Superintendent Bill Beattie said efforts centered on collecting data-based evidence with the schools’ programs.

“I’m very thankful to all of the schools and Amy Bordash for being committed to make it happen,” Beattie commented. “I was proud that the buildings were awarded, and to receive it as a district is a great accomplishment.”

Edison High School Assistant Principal Josh Leasure, who oversees the PBIS program at his building, said Edison was recognized for demonstrating strong, consistent implementation across the building.

“Edison earned this recognition because of our school-wide commitment to positive behavior, clear expectations, and using data to guide decisions. It reflects the intentional work our staff does every day to support students and build a positive school culture,” he continued. “At Edison, our expectations are simple and consistent: students are expected to be respectful, responsible, and safe. We explicitly teach these expectations and reinforce them daily by recognizing students who model them. Staff “catch students doing the right thing” through verbal praise, incentives, and recognition programs that make positive behavior visible and meaningful.”

He noted that the schools approximately 600 students in grades 7-12 are included in the PBIS program and officials have seen improvements in attendance with fewer discipline referrals and more positive interactions between students and staff.

“Students better understand expectations and are taking greater ownership of their behavior in classrooms, hallways, and common areas,” Leasure said. “We believe teaching positive behavior is about more than school — it’s about preparing students for tomorrow. By emphasizing respect, responsibility, and safety, we are helping students build the skills they need for employment, enlistment, and enrollment after graduation. This recognition reflects a shared commitment from Edison’s staff, students, and families to that goal.”

John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield said her school was honored to be recognized for attaining the gold status.

“My teams have worked hard at organizing and created processes to create and maintain a respectful, responsible and safe environment for our students and staff,” she added.

Burchfield said her building formed a PBIS team that focused on Tier I expectations, then defined and taught them to the students, plus incentives are in place to encourage and reward positive behaviors.

“These expectations are a part of all that we do. We have a second team, a PBIS Tiers II and II team, that meets to focus on behavior needs and supports for individual students,” she added. “There has been a huge improvement overall in our school culture. We recognize students for being respectful, responsible and safe by awarding them a ‘Shout Out’ card. They place the card on a board and when the board fills up, three cards are randomly chosen. Those students are announced and walk to the office to receive a prize from the principal’s treasure chest. We also recognize students for excellence in academics behavior, and attendance, and students in excellent standing receive Burchfield Bucks that can be used at our monthly Spirit Corner. Our students look forward to our Spirit Corner day.”

Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson said the tiers of PBIS focused on the school-wide practices and expectations and working with families.

“We also recognize students who are respectful, responsible and safe with ‘Caught Ya’ tickets and we recognize the Student of the Month,” Peterson added. “It’s a lot of work we’ve put in for the last three years and it’s nice to see the staff working together for the building and the district overall.”

He has seen an increase in positive behaviors among students as a result.