Nashoba to use DESE PRISM grant to expand K–3 literacy supports; approval on consent agenda

NASHOBA — Nashoba Regional School District staff told the school committee on Sept. 10 that a new DESE PRISM grant will fund a coordinated K–3 literacy effort and that the award was included in the consent agenda the committee approved that night.

Assistant Superintendent Laura Friend told the committee the district’s application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) established a five‑year partnership and that Nashoba was one of 15 districts in the commonwealth selected for the program. Friend said the district used a TNTP‑supported literacy system scan and assembled a literacy leadership team that includes pre‑K community partners.

On allocation, Superintendent Downing (as introduced at the meeting) explained how the district structured the funds to maximize local impact while following DESE spending categories. "We were provided $231,000," the superintendent said, and the district apportioned $170,000 to operational funds for part‑time tutors and $61,000 for materials. According to staff, DESE rules limited use of grant dollars for materials (a cap of $25,000 was cited in the presentation), which shaped the district’s distribution. Friend explained that DESE approved using grant funds to offset the salary of an existing literacy coach who works with K–3; that change will free operational dollars that the district will redirect to tutors.

The nut graf: District staff described the PRISM partnership as a strategic, grant‑funded effort to strengthen early‑literacy instruction, support curriculum alignment and fund professional learning, with progress monitoring supported by TNTP consultants.

Operational details presented to the committee include plans for contracted content and category‑based professional learning, an emphasis on progress monitoring and on‑site learning walks by TNTP to provide feedback to principals and coaches. Friend said grant awards will be expended and then the district will request reimbursement through the state grant system; staff identified FY26 as the fiscal year for the expenditures included in the consent agenda.

Committee members asked about the grant term, payout schedule and reimbursement process. Laura Friend replied that the district must expend funds and then seek state reimbursement through the grant system. The superintendent noted that staff presented the grant information in the meeting because the grant’s approval was included on the consent agenda.

Formal action: The committee approved the consent agenda for Sept. 10, 2025, during the meeting, which contained the grant approval (the consent motion was moved by the chair and seconded by Scott; the chair called the vote and the consent agenda passed). The grant materials and strategic update remain subject to the district’s reimbursement and progress monitoring rules under DESE.

Ending: Staff said they will keep the committee updated on identified priorities, monitoring data and how the funds are used to support K–3 instruction and pre‑K partnerships.