Sunlake High School and four other Land O' Lakes and Lutz campuses earned the state's top Gold designation for positive school culture, Pasco County Schools announced Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The five local Gold recipients are Sunlake High, Connerton Elementary, Oakstead Elementary and Pine View Middle in Land O' Lakes, and Denham Oaks Elementary in Lutz. Gold status means a school has most thoroughly implemented Florida's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, a system that sets clear behavioral expectations, rewards good behavior and provides targeted interventions when students need extra support.
Three Area Campuses Earned Bronze Status
Three more area campuses earned Bronze recognition: Charles S. Rushe Middle and Sanders Memorial Elementary in Land O' Lakes, and Skybrooke K-8 in Lutz.
Districtwide, 29 Schools Received Recognition
The eight local honorees are part of a larger group of 29 Pasco County schools recognized this year, the Tampa Free Press reported. Districtwide, 13 schools earned Gold, three earned Silver and 13 received Bronze for the 2025-2026 school year.
Superintendent Credits Districtwide Teamwork
Superintendent John Legg said the honors reflect teamwork across the district.
"These recognitions reflect the dedication of our teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families who work together each day to foster positive school cultures where students can thrive," Legg said in a statement. He added that the district is proud of the schools' commitment to creating welcoming learning environments.
Other Pasco Schools Also Earned Gold, Silver
Eight other Pasco campuses also earned Gold, including Cypress Creek Middle, James W. Mitchell High, Odessa Elementary and Wendell Krinn Technical High. The three Silver schools are Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Pine View Elementary and Sand Pine Elementary.
Awards Presented at Annual PBIS Celebration
The district recognized all 29 campuses at its annual PBIS Reflection and Celebration event. Schools qualify for Bronze, Silver or Gold based on how effectively they carry out evidence-based strategies to improve climate, boost engagement and support better behavior.
No upcoming board discussion or application deadline related to the PBIS program was listed in district records as of Wednesday, Sept. 9. The designations are awarded annually.
