DeWine announces $45 million in literacy grants for schools; Bright Local to receive $1 million

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin this week announced the award of $45.9 million in Comprehensive Literacy State Development grants to 33 schools and districts across the state. The awards come from a $60 million grant given to Ohio by the U.S. Department of Education. 

• In Highland County, Bright Local Schools will receive $400,000 for grades K-5, $345,910.76 for grades 6-8 and $345,882.75 for grades 9-12. 

"Our main focus ties back to our strategic plan and our Student Growth, Achievement and Well Being," Bright Local Schools Superintendent told The Highland County Press.
 
"When this opportunity came to fruition, we realized it directly tied to our Academic Rigor and focusing on the Whole Student efforts. Our team put our heads together and worked diligently on the application and opportunity to support the Wildcats of Bright Local. These funds will be allocated in many ways over the next five years to support our students and community. I am beyond grateful for all the amazing initiatives that we are accomplishing here at Bright Local. This is a collective effort with all parties involved pulling in the same direction."

Under Governor DeWine’s leadership and through his ReadOhio initiative, DEW is championing statewide efforts to raise literacy achievement. These grants will expand access to evidence-based literacy instruction for students in grades K-12 and professional learning for educators, with a focus on enhancing literacy instruction for underserved students across the state. 

“Literacy is the foundation for all learning,” said Governor DeWine. “By investing in our educators and aligning instruction to the Science of Reading, we are giving every Ohio student the opportunity to read confidently, succeed academically, and reach their full potential.” 

The grants will establish comprehensive literacy sites that provide literacy coaching, professional development, and daily reading instruction aligned to high-quality materials. Schools will also participate in training to promote family engagement in literacy and partner with community organizations, such as libraries and higher education institutions to support student achievement. 

“Ohio is investing in long-term literacy success,” Director Dackin said. “The learning experiences we provide today lead to tomorrow’s opportunities and these grants empower schools to deliver high-quality, research-based instruction, ensuring every learner receives the right tools to succeed.” 

A total of 174 districts and schools submitted applications for the competitive process. Ohio was one of the 23 recipients selected by the U.S. Department of Education and received the second-largest amount of funding among states.