A Mahoning County school district started 2026 by receiving awards from the Ohio Department of Education based on its positive school climate.

Sebring Local Schools were awarded for their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs by the state, with B.L. Miller Elementary winning a gold designation. 

Also a winner, McKinley Jr./Sr. High received a silver designation. 

In a release, it states that PBIS is a framework for supporting students' behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health. 

The Gold Award winners from B.L. Miller Elementary include:

  • Julie Naples
  • Summer Benchwick
  • Leann Laure
  • Betsy Walsh
  • Tiffany Thomas
  • Lynn Chiu
  • Jennifer Baum
  • Principal Nikki Hanley

The Silver Award winners from McKinley Jr./Sr. High include:

  • Keely Kandel
  • Jeanelle Thorn
  • Megan Cooper
  • LenAnn Everhart
  • Principal Brian Clark