State gives Springfield schools $1.35M to help serve Haitians, other students

State officials said funds will be used to enhance 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.

Springfield school district officials declined to comment about specific uses for the money. They have been providing services like the ones listed above for the past few years, as their English Language Learner population has grown from about 250 students four years ago to about 1,200 currently who meet the national and federal standards of needing services.

Travonna Hunter, principal at Springfield Sports Academy, said the $12,000 would support an onsite translator and services for English Language Learner students.

“We want all students across Ohio to have the resources they need to reach their full, God-given potential,” said Governor Mike 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.”

DeWine said funding has also been provided to Findlay City Schools ($100,000) and Lima City Schools ($36,882), which have also seen increase in Haitian migrants. That money will largely go 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 Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Steve 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.

Ohio 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 and is intended for one-time or short-duration intensive support.

This funding adds to recent state support for Springfield that includes Ohio State Highway Patrol help on school safety in the wake of bomb threats, and the creation of a school-based health clinic to expand primary care access for school children and their parents.