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How PRISM 2 and PRISM 3 grants fund materials, coaching and local contracts
Summary
DESE explained how PRISM grants reimburse HQIM purchases (50% up to $400k per LEA), timeline differences between Track 1 and Track 2, coaching start dates, and that PRISM 3 Year 1 has about $1.3M initially available with an anticipated, not guaranteed, additional ~$3M.
DESE presenters outlined how PRISM 2 and PRISM 3 funds may be used, how districts should budget, and when coaching and contracted supports will begin.
PRISM 2 details: Octavia Nixon said PRISM 2 will reimburse 50% of the cost of high‑quality core ELA/literacy materials up to $400,000 per LEA; the LEA is responsible for the remaining balance. Track 1 is for LEAs that have already completed an evaluation and selection and intend to purchase and implement HQIM in the 2026–27 school year; Track 1 does not include DESE‑provided coaching. Track 2 provides dedicated resources to evaluate and select HQIM, including stipends, substitute coverage or release time, and PRISM curriculum and instruction coaching that typically begins around March 2027, with continuation funding into FY28 subject to appropriation.
PRISM 3 details and funding timing: Lori McNally explained that PRISM 3 supports grades 4–12 with up to three and a half years of funding pending appropriation. For Year 1, DESE will distribute the award in two parts: an initial allotment (~$1.3 million) applicants budget for in their initial 594B submission covering roughly July–Sept 2026, and an anticipated second tranche of about $3 million from federal sources expected in early fall (which DESE emphasized is not guaranteed). DESE will provide guidance for updating budgets if the additional funds are released.
Coaching and contracting: Octavia described PRISM coaches as DESE‑approved professionals who will analyze district ELA instruction, build leadership capacity, provide job‑embedded coaching, design curriculum‑based professional learning and monitor implementation. Districts contract directly with an assigned, DESE‑approved coach under a DESE master agreement; DESE is not a party to the district‑coach contract. PRISM 3 Track 1 coaching begins at the start of the grant (July 2026) for districts already implementing HQIM; Track 2 coaching begins when materials are selected, typically in spring 2027.
Other funding notes: Presenters stressed that for Pre‑K selections, some materials must come from the EEC‑approved list and that Appleseeds (pre‑K curriculum) is funded at 100%, including printed and decodable text for kindergarten through grade 2. For procurement, LEAs must submit an itemized quote or use estimates from the budget workbook.
What to budget and document: DESE advised applicants to use the correct track‑specific budget guide and the budget calculator in the RFP, submit only the initial Year 1 budget amount in the application, and plan for superintendent approval in GEMS prior to the deadline. DESE will offer one‑on‑one budget review meetings with awardees to finalize budgets if awarded.
The presenters closed by noting FAQs, office hours, and website links that will be provided to support applicants as they prepare submissions.
