COLUMBUS, Ohio-At the 2024 Ohio Department of Higher Education Board of Trustees Conference, Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the success of the Ohio Imagination Library, which has distributed over 400,000 free books, making Ohio a leader in this initiative nationwide. DeWine emphasized the state’s commitment to early education and literacy, particularly through the science of reading, including phonics instruction.
He referenced Mississippi’s improvement in national education rankings by implementing this approach, noting its effectiveness in combating poverty-related challenges. DeWine urged collaboration among officials to address barriers to education, such as financial constraints and mental health issues. He emphasized the importance of colleges and universities adapting their systems to support student success, including clearer career pathways and opportunities for advancement in technical fields. Drawing from his own experience, DeWine encouraged guiding students toward vocational education as a pathway to further academic achievement.
