Horn Walter Burley AwardsOhio PBIS AwardsPurple Star AwardSchool Report Card Awards
Horn Walter Burley Awards
Ohio public schools, community schools, career centers, and county boards of developmental disabilities are encouraged to recognize the accomplishments of Ohio educators and students with disabilities by nominating them for these annual achievement awards.
The R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes the accomplishments of one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions.
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award is presented to one educator or team from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions for extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities.
In addition, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities Executive Committee will select an Ohio parent to receive the Margaret M. Burley Award.
The annual Horn Walter Burley Awards are sponsored by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) with assistance from Ohio’s State Support Teams.
Acknowledged as a national leader in the field of special education, the late Dr. Raymond A. Horn devoted more than 60 years of service to improving the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities. Dr. Horn was the Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Emeritus, who left a legacy and a challenge to all educators to ensure that every student with a disability be given the respect and the opportunities to which they are entitled.
About Franklin B. Walter
About Franklin B. Walter
The late Dr. Franklin B. Walter was Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1977 until 1991, a post held longer than any other state superintendent in Ohio’s history. With over 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Walter’s leadership is evident in many of Ohio’s quality educational initiatives and programs. Among these is the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children with disabilities. This is the 31st year that the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award has been given.
About Margaret M. Burley
About Margaret M. Burley
Currently the Executive Director Emeritus, Margaret M. Burley served as Executive Director of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities Executive Committee for 39 years. Margaret expanded the organization from five parent and professional organizations to an over $2.5 million budget, obtained and sustained grant funding from the Ohio Department of Education and U. S. Department of Education, directed public policy and research, and is nationally recognized for her commitment and outstanding work.
Walter Horn Burley Award Winners
2026 Walter Horn Burley Awards
2026 R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award
Rebekka Netcher – North Central High School, North Central Local
Nominated by – Martha Hasselbusch
Rebekka Netcher is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to both her academic and extracurricular pursuits. She is an active participant in choir and has challenged herself musically by competing in the Solo and Ensemble Contest, reflecting both her talent and determination. Rebekka is also a dedicated member of FFA, where she has represented her school at regional meetings and earned the distinction of being selected for the FFA State Choir which is an honor that highlights her skill and commitment. As part of her involvement in FFA, she also gives back to the community by reading to kindergarten students, serving as a positive role model and fostering a love of learning among younger learners. Beyond her achievements, she plays a meaningful role in strengthening the culture of our secondary school through her positive attitude and involvement. In addition, Rebekka is an engaged member of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). She has taken initiative to attend leadership camp for professional development and has helped host a booth aimed at encouraging her peers to make safe and responsible choices. Importantly, Rebekka has also demonstrated courage and advocacy by educating both students and staff about the real-life challenges of living with dyslexia. By sharing her experiences, she has fostered greater understanding, empathy, and inclusivity within the school community, making a lasting impact on those around her. Rebekka Netcher exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the R.A. Horn and Franklin B. Walter Achievement Award. Her well-rounded involvement, leadership, advocacy, and dedication to improving her school community make her a highly deserving nominee.
2026 Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
Catlin Creps – Swanton High School, Swanton Local Schools
Nominated by – Sharon Marvin
One to two paragraphs is hard for such a great nominee, so hopefully this isn’t too long! It is with absolute confidence and genuine enthusiasm that I nominate Catlin Creps for the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award. In my 32 years in special education, I have worked alongside many dedicated professionals—but Catlin is truly one of the very best I have ever known. Catlin has served as Swanton High School’s Cross Categorical teacher for grades 9–12 for over a decade, and her impact on students, families, and our entire district is immeasurable. She represents everything this award was designed to honor: leadership, dedication, and a lasting, meaningful impact on the education of students with disabilities. Catlin’s expertise in special education is exceptional. She is deeply knowledgeable in compliance and special education law, and I have complete confidence in the quality and integrity of her work. However, what truly sets her apart is her ability to pair that expertise with compassion and purpose. She builds strong, authentic relationships with students and families, advocates tirelessly for their needs, and approaches every situation with professionalism and care. She works daily with students who present complex academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Catlin manages challenging situations—including student crises, significant behaviors, and coordination of paraprofessionals and co-teachers—with a calm, steady presence. She is a problem-solver, a leader, and someone others turn to when situations are difficult. Her ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining a student-centered focus is remarkable. Catlin’s leadership extends well beyond her classroom. She leads our high school PBIS team and data team, consistently using data to guide decisions and improve outcomes for students. She also serves as co-head of Student Council, where she has helped build a culture of student leadership and engagement. In addition, she has taught leadership courses, which is a natural fit given her ability to inspire, guide, and empower others. One of Catlin’s greatest strengths is her commitment to preparing students for life beyond high school. She leads transition-to-work opportunities for our students and is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to motivate them, build independence, and help them become productive, successful adults. She understands that her role goes far beyond academics—it is about changing the trajectory of students’ lives. Quite simply, Catlin Creps makes everyone around her better—students, staff, and families alike. She is the kind of educator every district hopes to have and one that I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for the Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award.
2025 Horn Walter Awards
R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award Winner
Sterling Maynard
Stranahan ES – Sylvania Schools
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
Michael Snyder
Wilson Vance Intermediate- Findlay
2024 Horn Walter Awards
R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award Winner
Paige Pitchford
Seneca Co. Opportunity Center
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
Sarah Davis, Dylan Goodman and Patsy Crawford
NW Ohio Classical Academy Special Ed Team
2023 Horn Walter Awards
R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award Winner
Ethan Stennett
Liberty Benton HS and Millstream Career Center
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
Rebekah Witkowski
R.C. Walters ES – Benton-Carroll-Salem
2022 Horn Walter Awards
R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award Winner
Amelia Altman
Liberty Benton HS
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
Lindsay Bates
Greenwood Elementary – Washington Local Schools
2021 Horn Walter Awards
R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award Winner
James Patrick
Springfield HS and Penta Career Center
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
Emily Nixon
Springfield HS
2020 Horn Walter Awards
The 2020 Horn Walter Burley Outstanding Achievement Awards were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ohio Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Awards
Update – The 2024-2025 school year will be the final year the Department provides PBIS recognition awards to schools and districts. Going forward, the Department will not post the recognition process or accept recognition applications.
The work to establish a positive climate, respond to behavior, and support teachers in the classroom will continue through the adoption of an Integrated Multi-Tiered Support System that includes positive behavior interventions and supports. Thank you to the PBIS Network for your steadfast and continued commitment to coaching schools and districts in providing nonacademic supports to students.” (PBIS Update bulletin, October 20, 2025)
Ohio’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Recognition System provides an opportunity to celebrate schools and districts. Each year, the Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio PBIS Network recognize schools and districts for their quality and fidelity of PBIS implementation. Schools and districts are eligible to receive awards at the bronze, silver, gold, or district levels of distinction.
2025 Gold Recognition Award
Horizon Science Academy – Springfield
Community School
Horizon Science Academy – Toledo
Community School
2025 Silver Recognition Award
Bowling Green High School
Bowling Green City Schools
Bowling Green Middle School
Bowling Green City Schools
Conneaut Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Crim Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Kenwood Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
2025 Bronze Recognition Award
Glenwood Middle School
Findlay City Schools
Wilson Vance Intermediate School
Findlay City Schools
Northview Primary School
Findlay City Schools
Fort Miami Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee Intermediate School
Maumee City Schools
Fairfield Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee High School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee Middle School
Maumee City Schools
Fort Meigs Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Frank Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Hull Prairie Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Perrysburg High School
Perrysburg Schools
Perrysburg Junior High School
Perrysburg Schools
Perrysburg Preschool – Union
Perrysburg Schools
Toth Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Woodland Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Crissey Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
Springfield High School
Springfield Local Schools
Hill View Elementary School
Sylvania Schools
Arbor Hills Junior High School
Sylvania Schools
Maplewood Elementary School
Sylvania Schools
The Maritime Academy of Toledo
Community School
2025 District Recognition Award
Bowling Green City Schools
Maumee City Schools
Perrysburg Schools
2024 PBIS Awards
The following Region 1 schools were honored at the 2025 Showcase for AcceleratED Leadership and Learning Awards Banquet on January 28, 2025.
2024 Gold Recognition Award
Horizon Science Academy – Springfield
2024 Silver Recognition Award
Horizon Science Academy – Toledo
Community School
Dorr Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
2024 Bronze Recognition Award
Conneaut Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Crim Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Kenwood Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Bowling Green Middle School
Bowling Green City Schools
Bowling Green High School
Bowling Green City Schools
Fairfield Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee Middle School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee High School
Maumee City Schools
Perrysburg Union Preschool
Perrysburg Schools
Perrysburg High School
Perrysburg Schools
Perrysburg Junior High School
Perrysburg Schools
Toth Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Woodland Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Fort Meigs Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Hull Prairie Intermediate School
Perrysburg Schools
Frank Elementary School
Perrysburg Schools
Rossford High School
Rossford Schools
Rossford Junior High School
Rossford Schools
Holloway Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
Arbor Hills Junior High School
Sylvania Schools
The Maritime Academy
Community School
Vanlue Elementary and High School
Vanlue Local Schools
2023 PBIS Awards
The following Region 1 schools were honored at the Virtual PBIS/OLAC Showcase on January 31, 2024.
Gold Recognition
Rossford Elementary School
Rossford Exempted Village Schools
Silver Recognition
Crestview Elementary School
Crestview Local Schools
Horizon Science Academy Springfield
Horizon Science Academy Toledo
Bronze Recognition
Bowling Green Middle School
Bowling Green City Schools
Crestview Early Childhood Center
Crestview Local Schools
Fort Miami Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee High School
Maumee City Schools
Fairfield Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Wayne Trail Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Fort Meigs Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Frank Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Woodland Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Hull Prairie Intermediate
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Junior High School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Preschool – Union
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Rossford Junior High School
Rossford Exempted Village Schools
Rossford High School
Rossford Exempted Village Schools
Dorr Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
Hill View Elementary School
Sylvania City Schools
District Recognition Award
Rossford Exempted Village
Maumee City Schools
2022 PBIS Awards
The following Region 1 schools were honored at the Virtual PBIS/OLAC Showcase on December 6, 2022
Silver Recognition
Horizon Science Academy Springfield
Bronze Recognition
Perrysburg High School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Junior High School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Hull Prairie Intermediate
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Toth Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Fort Meigs Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Robert Frank Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Woodland Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Preschool
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Horizon Science Academy Toledo
Fort Miami Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Wayne Trail Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Fairfield Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Maumee High School
Maumee City Schools
Gateway Middle School
Maumee City Schools
Crim Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Conneaut Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Kenwood Elementary School
Bowling Green City Schools
Dorr Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
Hill View Elementary School
Sylvania Schools
Arcadia Middle School
Arcadia Local Schools
District Recognition
Maumee City Schools
2021 PBIS Awards
The following Region 1 schools were honored at the Virtual PBIS/OLAC Showcase on December 9, 2021:
Silver Recognition
Horizon Science Academy, Springfield
Dorr Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
Bronze Recognition
Crissey Elementary School
Springfield Local Schools
Fairfield Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Fort Meigs Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Frank Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Horizon Science Academy, Toledo
Hull Prairie Intermediate School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Junior High School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg High School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Preschool
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Toth Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Wayne Trail Elementary School
Maumee City Schools
Woodland Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
2020 PBIS Awards
Silver Recognition
Dorr Elementary
Springfield Local Schools
Horizon Science
Springfield
Robinson Achievement
Toledo Public Schools
Bronze Recognition
Bryan Elementary
Bryan City Schools
Crissey Elementary
Springfield Local Schools
Fairfield Elementary
Maumee City Schools
Fort Meigs Elementary
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Frank Elementary
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Horizon Science Academy
Toledo
Hull Prairie Intermediate
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Old Orchard Elementary
Toledo Public Schools
Perrysburg High School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Perrysburg Junior High
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Toth Elementary
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Woodland Elementary
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
Purple Star Awards
Purple Star Awards
The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on site. A Purple Star school will receive the designation for three years.
Class of 2026 Region 1 Purple Star Award Honorees
New Awardees
Findlay High School – New
Findlay City Schools
Genoa Elementary School – New
Genoa Area Local Schools
Genoa High School – New
Genoa Area Local Schools
Genoa Middle School – New
Genoa Area Local Schools
Coy Elementary School – New
Oregon City Schools
Jerusalem Elementary School – New
Oregon City Schools
Otsego Elementary School – New
Otsego Local Schools
Otsego High School – New
Otsego Local Schools
Otsego Junior High School – New
Otsego Local Schools
Port Clinton Middle School – New
Port Clinton City Schools
Wauseon Middle School – New
Wauseon Exempted Village Schools
Woodmore High School – New
Woodmore Local Schools
Renewal Awardees
Bryan Elementary School
Bryan City Schools
Bryan Middle/High School
Bryan City Schools
Fort Jennings High School
Jennings Local Schools
Liberty Benton Elementary
Liberty Benton Local Schools
Liberty Benton Middle School
Liberty Benton Local Schools
Ohio Virtual Academy
Community School
Fort Meigs Elementary School
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools
School Report Card Awards
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce recognizes the exceptional achievements of Ohio’s districts and buildings each year with the Ohio School Report Card awards. These awards showcase the unwavering commitment from educators, administrators, and school staff to foster a culture of learning and achievement for students.
The 2024-2025 awards consist of the following districts and buildings in region 1:
Overall 5-star districts and buildings:
Ottawa Hills Local – District
Perrysburg Exempted Village – District
Fallen Timbers Middle School (Anthony Wayne Local) – Building
R C Waters Elementary School (Benton Carroll Salem Local) – Building
Conneaut Elementary School (Bowling Green City) – Building
Columbus Grove Middle School (Columbus Grove Local) – Building
Edgerton Elementary School (Edgerton Local) – Building
Evergreen Elementary School (Evergreen Local) – Building
Hicksville Elementary School (Hicksville Exempted Village) – Building
Liberty Center Middle School (Liberty Center Local) – Building
Miller City High School (Miller City-New Cleveland Local) – Building
Tinora Elementary School (Northeastern Local) – Building
Tinora High School (Northeastern Local) – Building
Jerusalem Elementary School (Oregon City) – Building
Ottawa Hills Elementary School (Ottawa Hills Local) – Building
Ottawa Hills High School (Ottawa Hills Local) – Building
Ottoville Elementary School (Ottoville Local) – Building
Fort Meigs Elementary School (Perrysburg) – Building
Hull Prairie Intermediate School (Perrysburg) – Building
Perrysburg High School (Perrysburg) – Building
Perrysburg Junior High School (Perrysburg) – Building
Toth Elementary School (Perrysburg) – Building
Pike-Delta-York Middle School (Pike-Delta-York Local) – Building
Maplewood Elementary School (Sylvania Schools) – Building
Toledo Early College High School (Toledo City) – Building
Toledo Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy (Toledo City) – Building
Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering High School (Toledo City) – Building
Career Technical Planning District Overall 5-Star:
Four County JVSD CTPD
Millstream Career Cooperative CTPD
Oregon City CTPD
Penta Career Center CTPD
Sylvania City CTPD
Vanguard Sentinel JVSD CTPD
Vantage JVSD CTPD
Drop Out Prevention and Recovery Exceeds Standards:
Glass City Academy – Exceeds Standards
Findlay Digital Academy – Exceeds Standards
Momentum Award Districts and Buildings: The Momentum Award is for districts and schools that have improved their Performance Index by 3 or more points from the 2023-2024 report card to the 2024-2025 report card and received a Progress rating of 4 or more stars.
Central Local – District
Otsego Local – District
Antwerp Middle School (Antwerp Local) – Building
Bowling Green High School (Bowling Green City) – Building
Fairview Middle School (Central Local) – Building
McPherson Middle School (Clyde Green Springs Exempted Village) – Building
Danbury Middle School (Danbury Local) – Building
Evergreen High School (Evergreen Local) – Building
Explorers Academy of Science and Technology – Building
Fremont Middle School (Fremont City) – Building
Genoa Area High School (Genoa Area Local) – Building
L. Hollingworth School for Talented and Gifted – Building
Madison Avenue School of Arts – Building
Northwood High School (Northwood Local) – Building
Otsego High School (Otsego Local) – Building
Port Clinton Middle School (Port Clinton City) – Building
Rise & Shine Academy – Building
Whiteford Elementary School (Sylvania Schools) – Building
Glenwood Elementary School (Toledo City Schools) – Building
Navarre Elementary School – (Toledo City Schools) – Building
Old West End Academy Elementary School – Building
Van Wert Middle School (Van Wert City) – Building
Jefferson Junior High School (Washington Local) – Building
About Franklin B. Walter
