Reimburse teacher stipends for science of reading education

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Glassburn

Requires the state to reimburse schools for teacher stipends paid for science-of-reading professional development and related literacy training.

Referred to committee

#education #financeandappropriations #primaryandsecondaryeducation

Summary of HB 880 (136th General Assembly, Ohio)

Purpose and intent

The bill proposes an appropriation to fully reimburse school districts, community schools, and STEM schools for stipends paid to teachers who complete professional development in the science of reading and evidence-based literacy instruction.

The targeted professional development aligns with the framework in Section 265.330 of HB 33 (135th GA), as amended by HB 147 (135th GA).

Key provisions and funding details

Section 1: Establishes appropriations out of state treasury funds, with a split between fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The act notes that these operating appropriations are in addition to any existing appropriations.

Section 2 — Literacy Improvement funding:

Designated Fund: Dedicated Purpose Fund Group (Fund 5AQ1), labeled “Literacy Improvement.”
Amounts:
Fiscal Year 2026: $6,938,636
Fiscal Year 2027: $0
Purpose of the appropriation: Fully reimburse eligible schools for stipends paid to teachers who complete science-of-reading professional development and related evidence-based literacy instruction training.
Administrative action: On the effective date or soon thereafter, the Director of Budget and Management must transfer $1,105,400 cash from the General Revenue Fund to the Literacy Improvement Fund (Fund 5AQ1).

Section 3: Administrative provisions:

The Director of Budget and Management shall establish and maintain accounts detailing sources and amounts for each appropriation.
Expenditures from these operating appropriations shall be accounted for in compliance with the procedures of HB 96 of the 136th GA.

Who is affected

School districts, community schools, and STEM schools in Ohio that have employed teachers who were paid stipends for completing science-of-reading professional development.

Eligible teachers and districts seeking reimbursement for those stipends under the specified literacy professional development program.

Timing and procedural notes

The bill sets a funding schedule with an appropriation in FY2026 and no funding in FY2027 for the Literacy Improvement item (though other budgetary mechanics may affect ongoing reimbursements).

A transfer of $1,105,400 from General Revenue to the Literacy Improvement Fund is required at or soon after the act’s effective date.

All expenditures are to be tracked and reported in accordance with HB 96 (136th GA) procedures.

Potential impact

Provides explicit state funding to reimburse districts for incentives paid to teachers pursuing science-of-reading and evidence-based literacy training.

Aims to support implementation of evidence-based reading instruction by reducing the financial burden on districts for teacher stipends.

Could influence district decisions to expand or continue participation in science-of-reading professional development programs, given the reimbursement mechanism.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to related literacy funding laws or outline potential fiscal pressures for FY2027 and beyond.