PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. — For the second year in a row, a Marion County school has earned the National Blue Ribbon School designation.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Fairmont joins Kellogg Elementary in Wayne County and Gilmore Elementary in Jackson County on the prestigious list.
Marion County School Superintendent Donna Heston said it’s been a great two years. She said Tuesday the banner is still proudly flying at Jayenne Elementary School, a 2023 recipient of the national honor.
“Now, it’s very exciting that Pleasant Valley Elementary School will be recognized on the national stage,” Heston said. “That will be the second Marion County in as many years, so it’s an exciting time in Marion County.”
Pleasant Valley Elementary School is led by principal Chris Binotto, who recently returned from a military deployment with the West Virginia National Guard. Even while on deployment, Binotto remained engaged through Zoom meetings to keep in touch with the community and students.
“It’s a salute to Mr. Binotto and his leadership and how he is cultivating that recognition of his great staff and great students,” Heston said. “It’s a testament to his leadership that he wants to recognize those who are making Pleasant Valley great.”
Binotto has implemented several other programs to encourage performance at Pleasant Valley. One of the finalists for the 2025 West Virginia Teacher of the Year award was Pleasant Valley Elementary School third grade teacher Krista Blankenship, and Tammy Boyce, cook and cafeteria manager at the school, was named the 2023-24 Marion County Service Personnel of the Year.
“He started a ‘Student of the Month’ recognition and a coin system where students are recognized for the great things they do,” Heston said. “Attendance, behavior and academic achievement—just going above and beyond the general expectations that we have.”
Heston said Pleasant Valley demonstrates some of the best in public education including public involvement, staff dedication, and the work of students will continue to set an example for public education and possibly encourage the next generation of educators.
Gov. Jim Justice traveled to Pleasant Valley Elementary in 2019 deliver an award for their performance on the state balanced scorecard. In addition to the Jayenne Elementary School Blue Ribbon designation, there was also the Purple Star honor received for their support of military families district-wide.
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR