The Orange County Board of Education recently named Sheila VanHook McDonald to initiate Orange County Schools' new Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Initiative.

McDonald, who has been the principal of Central Elementary School since 2000, will lead the implementation of Positive Behavior Support and coordinate specialized services for the Exceptional Children's Program.

PBS programs are a way to support high student performance and to reduce behavioral problems. The initiative is a systematic approach that establishes and reinforces clear behavioral expectations.

McDonald will be responsible for developing PBS staff development, parent resources and crisis intervention response planning.

"Mrs. McDonald possesses the skills and experiences required to make the PBS program successful in Orange County," said Patrick Rhodes, superintendent of Orange County Schools. "Her extensive background in exceptional children programming make her the ideal person for this new role."

McDonald, the 2005-06 Orange County Schools principal of the year, has served as learning disabilities resource teacher, assistant principal, principal, and exceptional children district program coordinator.

She is a 1976 graduate of Orange High School. She received a bachelor's degree from Winston-Salem State University and a master's degree in special education and school administration from N.C. Central University.