West Carrollton, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with First Lady Fran DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, visited Harold Schnell Elementary School in West Carrollton earlier this week to recognize the school’s efforts in improving literacy through the Science of Reading. The visit is part of a statewide celebration under the Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program, a new initiative aimed at honoring schools making measurable progress in student reading achievement.
A Model of Literacy Success in the Miami Valley
Harold Schnell Elementary was part of the first group of schools recognized under this new program. The school is located within the West Carrollton City School District and has fully implemented the Science of Reading approach—an evidence-based method of literacy instruction that is grounded in decades of research about how children learn to read.
“We want to celebrate the schools across Ohio that are being proactive and innovative in how they are helping their students become better readers,” said Governor DeWine.
“Harold Schnell Elementary is a great example of school leaders and teachers who have really embraced the Science of Reading and are going above and beyond to help more of their students build a solid foundation for reading – a foundation that will allow them to thrive in the classroom and throughout life.”
The school uses data-driven strategies, employing screening tools to identify students who may need extra help in reading. Once identified, students are grouped based on their needs and receive focused support through the school’s literacy lab. These smaller group sessions allow for more targeted instruction, increasing each child’s chances of improvement.
Additionally, teachers and administrators have undergone professional training in the Science of Reading and receive continuous support from a literacy coach. This commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration has led to real results—within just one year, the percentage of third graders reading at grade level increased by 7.9%.
Celebrating Student and Teacher Achievements
During the visit, Governor and First Lady DeWine met with several school and district leaders, including Director of Student Services Becky Yerman and Principal Brad Thobe, to talk about the school’s success in implementing literacy strategies.
The Governor and First Lady toured the school’s literacy lab, visited multiple second and third grade classrooms to observe lessons, and watched as students actively engaged in reading instruction. First Lady Fran DeWine read a story to one class, further highlighting the joy of reading and the importance of early literacy.
At the end of the visit, Governor DeWine presented the school with a Science of Reading Recognition Program banner as a symbol of their hard work and dedication.
Governor DeWine initially introduced the Science of Reading Recognition Program in his 2025 State of the State Address on March 12. A total of 47 schools across Ohio have been honored so far for aligning their curriculum with the Science of Reading, investing in professional development, and improving student literacy outcomes.
Harold Schnell Elementary is one of six elementary schools in the Miami Valley to receive this honor, joining Charles Huber Elementary, Monticello Elementary, and Valley Forge Elementary of Huber Heights City Schools; Milton-Union Elementary of Milton-Union Exempted Village School District; and Northridge Elementary of Northridge Local School District.
