By Okon Ekpenyong

With Education at the core, Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine Budget Bill for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 included Billions poured into Education funding and policies. 

Ohio continues its aggressive support for the Science of Reading model. With over 408,000 children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the state is doubling on early literacy.

On July 1, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine emphasized that teacher training in this model is now required across all public schools during his Ohio budget Bill for Fiscal years 2026-2027 announcement. The goal is to ensure that Ohio students read above grade level.

House Bill 96, the budget bill for the fiscal years 2026-2027, included educational funding initiatives, student programs, and workforce development. 

“Reading is foundational. The science of reading is the gold standard, and Ohio will lead the way,” DeWine said.

Educators can receive structured literacy certification through required professional development courses and opportunities. 

Mental Health & Student Support

The budget expands services under Ohio’s Mobile Response & Stabilization Services, Mobile Crisis Teams, and Mobile Crisis Response Units. These programs aim to respond to youth experiencing mental health crises.

Additionally, Ohio continues to fund its scholarship guarantee program, ensuring the top 5% of high school graduates are guaranteed admission into state universities.

Child Eyesight Program

Governor DeWine introduced the Ohio C Program, a statewide initiative providing vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to students who need them.

“Children must be able to see clearly to read, and reading is central to learning,” DeWine said.

The program also targets regions with the highest rates of follow-up care failure after initial screenings to ensure no child is left behind.

The Ohio Department of Health oversees this process, and schools are encouraged to track those referrals by reporting them on the ODH website, and once a student completes a follow-up, the school should update the website 

Classroom Cellphone Ban

The budget formalizes a ban on cellphone use during school hours, aligning with concerns raised by educators about classroom distractions.

The state is advising all school districts to adopt a policy prohibiting the use of cellphones no later than January 1, 2026. Exceptions to these rules are during student learning, or health conditions, and must have a doctor’s note. 

School-Based Health Centers

The budget allocates funding to expand school-based health care centers, which already serve over 23,000 students across Ohio. These centers provide on-site care to students, their families, and nearby residents.

School Safety & Bus Upgrades

A new round of grants for public transportation will allow school districts to upgrade buses and mechanical systems and implement safety features recommended by the state’s School Bus Safety Working Group.

Scholarships & Career Pathways Ohio Governor’s Merit Scholarship

• Awards $5,000 to students graduating in the top 5% of their high school class.
• Over 10,000 students have accepted these scholarships across Ohio’s 88 counties.

Career Technical Expansion

• Funding for test prep, mentorship, and career technical education centers.
• Collaborations with local school districts to develop new career pathways.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

• Most significant OCOG investment in state history.
• Supports low-income students attending community colleges, especially in STEM fields.
• Expansion of short-term credential programs in fields like phlebotomy and STNA.

Ohio Veterinary School Expansion

• Due to rising demand, OSU’s Veterinary School will receive additional scholarships and departmental expansion funding.

Driver’s Education for Under-21

A new mandate requires 24 hours of online training for drivers under age 21. The budget includes grants to help low-income families access these requirements, aimed at improving road safety.

Governor DeWine’s Vetoes on Education

DeWine’s 67 vetoes included several contentious education measures

• Senate Bill 68 – Proposed a Non-Chartered Educational Savings Account Program for private/religious school families. Vetoed due to a lack of standardized testing, oversight, and state alignment.
• Senate Bill 107 & House Bill 153 – Would have made school board elections partisan. Vetoed to preserve local governance neutrality.
• School Budget Carryover Cap – Proposed to limit districts to 40% with the excess refunded as property tax credits. DeWine vetoed it to protect district budget flexibility.
• Senate Bill 1 sought to centralize control over school funding under state authority. Vetoed to preserve local control and levy autonomy.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url