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District reports PBIS fidelity gains but warns partner funding shortfalls could threaten supports
Summary
Climate-and-culture consultants reported rising PBIS fidelity—district TFI average climbed from 53% to 91%—and said tier‑two/tier‑three capacity and partner‑funded supplementary services depend on continued state and federal funding.
District climate and culture consultants told the committee that Columbus City Schools has broadly increased implementation fidelity for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and earned growing statewide recognition, but they warned that some partner‑funded supplementary services are vulnerable to funding cuts.
Tyrie Rivers and Bridget Lowry, climate and culture systems consultants, explained PBIS’s tiered framework and described a district‑level improvement in Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) scores from about 53% in 2017 to roughly 91% most recently. Rivers said that 69 district schools earned PBIS recognition during the 2023–24 school year and that the district has been honored with statewide district awards for the work.
The consultants said supports include nine climate‑and‑culture consultants who provide coaching, consultation and facilitation; school teams complete annual fidelity assessments and upload evidence for state recognition. They highlighted partnerships—City Year, Boys & Girls Club and others—that extend tier‑two and community supports.
On risk: presenters and trustees noted that many supplemental services depend on state and federal funds (Title I, school‑improvement funds and partner grants). One trustee warned that interruptions to those revenue streams would put partnerships and the additional services they deliver at risk. The presenters agreed that sustaining tier‑two and tier‑three capacity is a top priority.
Outcomes: Presenters said PBIS work has contributed to more proactive responses—such as using restorative practices, targeted supports and brief interventions (the district’s PEAK program)—which can lower discipline referrals by addressing students’ emotional and behavioral needs earlier.
Quote: “We want to continue the trajectory we’re having in all of our schools by making sure we focus on tier two and tier three PBIS to enhance our overall multi‑tier system of support,” Bridget Lowry said.
Next steps: the office will continue coaching, provide targeted quarterly meetings for school coordinators, and work with community partners to maintain services. Trustees signaled interest in discussing partner funding and sustainability at future budget and resource meetings.
