By Taiwo Akinlami and Deba Uwadiae

In a sweeping State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Governor Mike DeWine laid out an ambitious agenda that places children, education, and youth empowerment at the center of Ohio’s policy direction for 2025. In a speech charged with urgency and a call to action, Governor DeWine underscored the responsibility of government, parents, and communities to create a future where every child in Ohio has access to education, healthcare, and opportunity.

In a state where educational outcomes and child welfare have been hotly debated, DeWine’s remarks signaled a significant shift toward proactive governance, addressing the needs of Ohio’s youngest residents in ways that could set the tone for national policy discussions.

Expanding Early Literacy: A Lifelong Foundation

Ohio’s commitment to early childhood literacy took center stage, with Governor DeWine heralding the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which now reaches 70% of eligible children in the state. More than 20 million books have already been delivered to Ohio households, a move he described as “laying the foundation for a generation of confident readers.”

But DeWine’s ambitions for education do not end with books. The Science of Reading Initiative, which emphasizes phonics-based literacy instruction, is already bearing fruit. Statewide report cards show an increase in English Language Arts scores, with notable improvements in third, fourth, and fifth grades.

In a move likely to garner bipartisan support, DeWine announced the Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program, set to reward over 40 schools that have shown excellence in literacy instruction. “We are seeing the results of this investment,” DeWine declared, urging all Ohio schools to adopt the proven methodology.

Tackling an Overlooked Crisis: Children’s Health

Ohio’s education reform agenda is inextricably linked to student health, with DeWine introducing OhioSEE, a first-of-its-kind statewide vision program. The initiative guarantees vision screenings, eye exams, and free glasses for all K-3 students, a move expected to benefit 33,000 children over the next two years.

“This is about removing barriers,” DeWine said. “No child should struggle to read because they can’t see the words on a page.”

Beyond vision, dental health also took center stage. A Children’s Dental Services Pilot Program will be rolled out across nine underserved counties, ensuring that oral health screenings and preventive care reach the students who need them most.

In a move aimed at integrating healthcare into education, DeWine called for an expansion of school-based health clinics, highlighting success stories like Warner Middle School in Xenia, where on-campus medical care transformed the academic and social trajectory of students in need.

A Crackdown on Classroom Disruptions: The Case for a Statewide Cell Phone Ban

Perhaps the most controversial segment of DeWine’s education agenda was his proposal to ban cell phones in all Ohio schools during school hours. The initiative is modeled after a policy in Pickaway County’s Teays Valley School District, which saw:

• Higher student engagement

• Improved attendance and grades

• A nearly 50% drop in discipline cases

“The numbers speak for themselves,” DeWine asserted. “Ohio’s students should be focused on learning, not distracted by screens.”

With parental and educator support likely divided on the issue, DeWine’s administration faces a battle in the Ohio Legislature, where the proposal is expected to be hotly debated.

Children in Crisis: The Foster Care Emergency

For Ohio’s most vulnerable children, DeWine acknowledged the ongoing foster care crisis, where despite a decline in total foster placements, children are still sleeping in county offices and hotel rooms due to a shortage of homes.

In a bid to address what he termed “an unacceptable failure of the system,” DeWine announced additional state funding for local children’s services and the creation of regional child wellness campuses—a bold move aimed at ensuring every foster child in Ohio has a place to call home.

The governor also praised OhioRISE, the state’s innovative coordinated care program for children with complex mental and physical health needs. Since its inception, the initiative has provided structured support to over 42,000 youth, a number expected to grow in the coming year.

A High-Stakes Gamble: Rethinking Career Readiness

Beyond K-12 education, DeWine made clear that high school students must be prepared for the realities of the workforce. He announced: 

✔ Career planning as a graduation requirement
✔ A dramatic expansion in career-technical education, which has already seen a 10% enrollment increase since 2021
✔ A plan to reintegrate driver’s education into high schools, tackling the cost barriers that prevent many teens from obtaining licenses

In a policy shift with direct implications for student-athletes, DeWine proposed the creation of a State Stadium Fund, redirecting online sports betting tax revenue to cover equipment costs and participation fees for students unable to afford extracurricular activities.

“This is about fairness,” DeWine stated. “No student should sit on the sidelines because of financial hardship.”

Higher Education and the Rising Cost of Opportunity

DeWine tackled the rising cost of higher education, introducing: 

✔ A $1,000 tax credit per child under seven, aimed at easing financial burdens for young families
✔ Expanded merit scholarships, which have already increased the number of top-performing Ohio students staying in-state for college
✔ Guaranteed college admission for Ohio’s top 5% high school graduates, ensuring that top students have a place in Ohio’s public universities

He further outlined a plan to tie university funding to job placement rates, ensuring that Ohio colleges are producing graduates with real-world opportunities.

The DeWine Doctrine: Investing in Children as Ohio’s Future

Governor DeWine’s State of the State address made one thing clear: his administration sees children as Ohio’s greatest investment. He closed with a passionate call to action:

“Our legacy is the future of this great state. And that future is our children. They are our greatest hope. They will be Ohio’s legacy.”

While some elements of his agenda—particularly the cell phone ban and career-readiness mandates—will face political hurdles, the overall message was unambiguous: Ohio’s children are the priority.

For policymakers, educators, and parents, the road ahead will be one of debate, implementation, and, ultimately, accountability. But for now, Governor DeWine has made his position clear: Ohio will rise by investing in its youngest generation.

Analysis: The Political Landscape Ahead

Governor DeWine’s child-focused policy agendapresents a political test for Ohio lawmakers. With bipartisan support expected for early literacy, healthcare expansion, and foster care improvements, the real battle lines will be drawn over:

• The statewide classroom cell phone ban

• The enforcement of career readiness in high schools

• The shift in university funding to prioritize job outcomes

As Ohio navigates the legislative process, all eyes will be on the administration’s ability to turn vision into action.

One thing is certain: DeWine has set the stage for a transformative year in Ohio’s child and youth policy.

Stay tuned as we track the legislative progress of these policies and their impact on Ohio’s future generations.

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