All Three Adams County Elementary Schools Earn 2026 Governor's Science of Reading Honor

Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced March 12 that 109 Ohio schools earned the Governor's Science of Reading Champions Award for 2026, and every elementary building in the Adams County Ohio Valley School District made the list. North Adams Elementary School in Seaman, Peebles Elementary School in Peebles, and West Union Elementary School in West Union were all named among the honorees, a clean sweep for a district whose three PreK-6 campuses span the breadth of Adams County.

The award recognizes schools that stand out for their commitment to the Science of Reading and their work using this method to improve student engagement and literacy outcomes. Based on decades of brain research and literacy development, the Science of Reading is an approach to literacy instruction that focuses on teaching students how to sound out and understand words.

"We're proud of the work happening throughout the state to advance literacy achievement through the Science of Reading," said Director Dackin. "These schools recognized as Science of Reading Champions are the result of a precise and dedicated focus from educators, school leaders, and families. We applaud this group of schools and are encouraged by their growth in literacy because it means more students are strengthening their reading skills."

For Adams County Ohio Valley, earning the designation at all three buildings distinguishes the district from the majority of honorees on the statewide list. Five school districts had at least four of their schools earn the 2026 Governor's Science of Reading Champions Award, including Lakota Local Schools with six, Kettering City Schools with five, Medina City Schools with five, Upper Arlington City Schools with five, and Akron Public Schools with four. ACOVSD, with three elementary buildings and three, is the entirety of the district's elementary tier, meaning no building was left off.

The Science of Reading Champions Award was first announced by Governor DeWine in 2025 to highlight the effectiveness of the Science of Reading. The inaugural class had 48 schools, which will retain their designation as champions following this year's class.

During his 2026 State of the State Address on March 10, Governor DeWine announced several new strategies to strengthen Science of Reading implementation in Ohio schools. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will create regional Science of Reading Instructional Implementation Teams to provide additional support to schools that need or request assistance. The department will also build upon its ReadOhio coaching program, adding 50 more state-level coaches, while expanding access to training and credentialing opportunities for district literacy coaches.

The past year's School Report Cards showed significant improvement in English Language Arts proficiency among elementary students, climbing by 2.2 percentage points among Ohio third graders, 5.2 percentage points among fourth graders, and 3.1 percentage points among fifth graders. The recognition of North Adams, Peebles, and West Union places ACOVSD among those schools driving that statewide trend from a rural corner of southern Ohio.