November 21, 2025
November 21, 2025, Pickerington, OH — Pickerington Local Schools is pleased to announce that two of its schools have been awarded the Gold Recognition Award by the Ohio PBIS Network and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for excellence in implementing the tiered framework of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
At Tussing Elementary School, this marks the first time an elementary building in the district has earned the Gold designation. Ridgeview Junior High School advanced to Gold for the 2024–2025 school year after holding a Bronze designation in 2023–2024, reflecting the continued progress and commitment of its staff and students.
Assistant Superintendent and Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Heather Hedgepeth praised the achievement, noting, “We’re proud of the work happening at Tussing Elementary and Ridgeview Junior High. Earning the PBIS Gold Recognition Award shows their commitment to building supportive, student-focused environments where all learners feel valued and set up for success.”
The Ohio PBIS Recognition system has three building-level tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Schools eligible for Gold must meet all criteria for Bronze and Silver and also demonstrate implementation of Tier 3 supports (intensive interventions) along with strong fidelity and data-based decision-making. Ohio Department of Education Ohio Department of Education. Specifically, Gold-level schools submit documentation including:
- A Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) and other fidelity tools.
- Evidence of Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions and supports.
- State-level outcome data around discipline, restraint/seclusion, chronic absenteeism improvement rates, and student outcomes.
Together, these achievements underscore that both Tussing and Ridgeview are not just implementing PBIS—they are doing so with fidelity, data-informed decision making, and a commitment to support all students socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Tussing Elementary School – Gold Star Designation
This is the first time an elementary school within Pickerington Local Schools has earned the Gold award. The achievement reflects staff’s consistent and compassionate implementation of PBIS Tier 1 supports, along with targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 social-emotional learning (SEL) supports. It signals that the school is effectively using data to identify needs, adjust practices, and provide targeted support to all students.
“Our passion at Tussing is ensuring that students have the targeted support they need to thrive and we’ve worked really hard to put systems in place,” said Tussing Elementary Assistant Principal Tara Ruckman.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first elementary school in Pickerington to earn the PBIS Gold State Recognition Award. This honor reflects the commitment of our staff to consistently implementing the PBIS MTSS framework across all tiers, added Principal Matt Dansby.”
Ridgeview Junior High School – Gold Star Designation
Having earned Bronze in 2023-24, Ridgeview’s advancement to Gold in 2024-25 demonstrates the school’s intentional progression and dedication. The move from Bronze to Gold underscores improved systems for behavioral supports, stronger data tracking, and expanded tiered interventions.
“We have worked extremely hard to improve our PBIS practices over the last two years, said Ridgeview Junior High School Principal Sheila Evans. “Our staff and students know the importance of having this process in place, as well as how much it has transformed our building culture as a whole. We’re very proud of our efforts and look forward to continuing the Gold Standard in our new building as well. ”
“I’m proud of our staff and students and I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication to our PBIS initiative,” said Lead Assistant Principal Henry Lee. “Let everyone know, Ain’t no Tiger Like a Ridgeview Tiger.”
About PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a framework designed to create safe, predictable, and positive school environments by proactively teaching behavioral expectations, reinforcing positive behavior, and using data to guide decisions about supports. The Ohio PBIS Recognition system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio PBIS Network honors schools that demonstrate strong systems and outcomes through PBIS at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
About Pickerington Local Schools
Located just east of Columbus, Pickerington Local Schools is the fifteenth largest district in Ohio, serving more than 11,500 students across 14 campuses. Pickerington Schools is a destination district with a diverse community of learners and a reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence. The district’s mission is to provide an engaging, innovative, and holistic learning experience that empowers every student to become a responsible, productive citizen.
