Paden City Elementary School in Wetzel County was recently named a 2026 West Virginia PBIS Tier 1 Model School by the West Virginia Behavior/Mental Health Technical Assistance Center (WVBMHTAC).

In collaboration with the WV Autism Training Center at Marshall University and the WV Department of Education, the WVBMHTAC oversees, in addition to other initiatives, the state’s school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) project. For the 2025-2026 school year, the WV PBIS Leadership Team began searching for West Virginia PBIS Tier 1 Model Schools in January. The process for schools renewing their status involves the school team submitting evidence of their work, data analysis, and impact stories.

The WV PBIS Leadership Team is looking for ongoing evidence of a multi-tiered, problem-

solving framework that produces positive outcomes.

WV PBIS Coordinator, Alicia Ziman, says “The Model Schools initiative is an integral part of our project. Identifying Model Schools gives us the opportunity to showcase the work these schools have found to be effective. We also have the ability to share their experiences with schools across the state and with outside stakeholders. Model Schools can instill an excitement in others through their passion and dedication to the PBIS Framework that is hard to capture in any training alone.”

Paden City Elementary School, along with principal Ms. Mary Young and her PBIS team exceeded our standards to be awarded this recognition again this year. Designated for multiple years, Paden City Elementary continues to be a shining example of the Model Schools initiative. Their implementation of best practices, commitment to a multi-tiered system of support, and data-driven decision-making has made them a true model for PBIS Tier 1 practices.

The WVBMHTAC is so appreciative of Paden City’s dedication to the PBIS framework, and we look forward to how this recognition as a Model School can help support other schools across the state.