Springfield, OH -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) Director Stephen D. Dackin on Sep 30th, announced more than $1.5 million in grant funding has been allocated to schools in several Ohio communities, including Springfield, as they work through challenges from a significant increase in Haitian migrants over the past several years.  

Springfield schools receiving funding include:

- Springfield City Schools: $1,346,000  
- Springfield Preparatory and Fitness Academy: $12,000
- Springfield Sports Academy: $12,000

Funds will be used to enhance essential learning programs for all students in the community and to provide additional resources to support educational needs, including translation technologies, interpreters, mental health services, and more.

“We want all students across Ohio to have the resources they need to reach their full, God-given potential,” said Governor DeWine. “Schools in Springfield and other communities that have been dealing with sudden increases in their student population have no doubt been strained. These funds will help to relieve some of this pressure and create a better learning environment for all students in these communities.”

Other Ohio cities are working to address challenges stemming from the increase in Haitian migrants, including Findlay and Lima. Governor DeWine also announced on Sep 30th, that funding has been provided to Findlay City Schools ($100,000) and Lima City Schools ($36,882), largely to support translation technologies such as interpreter earbuds or mini handheld translators.

“Ohio educators and school leaders continue to pinpoint the learning supports needed for all students in our communities to be successful,” said Director Dackin. “These funds are part of a larger system of supports to increase literacy achievement, accelerate learning opportunities in reading and mathematics, expand career and workforce experiences, and support student wellness initiatives.”  

The federal government allocated Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) and American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to local schools and districts to respond to emergent needs in schools and communities following the COVID-19 pandemic. DEW created district and school student recovery dashboards to showcase how funds are being used to address academic recovery and promote student success. Use of the funds is at the discretion of the districts but may include purchasing additional technology, translation devices and services, professional development, and mental health supports. The funds are intended for one-time or short-duration intensive supports.

Governor DeWine also recently announced enhanced school safety and security supports in Springfield through the Ohio State Highway Patrol.  

These new initiatives add to other support that the state has already provided to Springfield to aid in addressing the increase in the area's Haitian population, including:

- Creating a school-based health clinic in the Springfield City School District to expand primary care access for school children and their parents throughout the community
- Increasing support for vaccinations and health screenings through the local health department, including the addition of a new mobile health clinic serving all community members.
- Providing funding to Clark State College for services to teach English to Haitians.
- Allocating additional funds to the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services for translation services.
- Providing driving simulators and offering driver education classes targeted to the Haitian community.