Salem Public Schools Awarded $852,505 in DESE PRISM Grants
Grants will target literacy, coaching and resources
VIEW: DESE Press Release
SALEM (Aug. 7, 2026) – Salem Public Schools received $852,505 in Partnership for Reading Success–Massachusetts (PRISM) grants geared toward early literacy programming as well as resources, targeted coaching, and professional learning support from the Governor Maura Healey-Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll Administration, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced Thursday.
SPS received the PRISM I Continuation Grant of $676,375 which aims to improve early literacy outcomes with the goal of all students reading at or above grade level by grade 3. SPS was one of 13 school districts to receive the grant at varied amounts, which also included Lynn ($1,541,625) and Peabody public schools ($822,200).
Additionally, SPS received a PRISM III Grant of $176,130 which covers resources, targeted coaching, and professional learning support to impactfully implement high-quality instructional materials in ELA at Collins Middle School in grades 6-8 with a focus on culturally and linguistically sustaining practices.
“We’re honored to receive this grant funding,” said Executive Director of Academics Sonia Lowe. “Our educators have already done incredible work on refining instructional practices in early literacy. It’s amazing to walk into classrooms and see the ways our educators are teaching foundational skills with joy and clarity and asking deep questions. We’re especially excited for Collins Middle School whose teachers know the curriculum deeply and are ready to take it to the next level so that every child sees ELA class as a place to grow their skills and develop their perspectives and identities.”
The SPS Academics Team worked in partnership with schools and partners to identify goals and write the grant narratives in order to secure funding for this important work.
Salem is among 71 Bay State school districts who are beneficiaries of the four PRISM grant programs, totaling nearly $24.7 million.
The grants fully support the District’s Strategic Plan, particularly the core tenets of elevating learning and empowering our educators.
“Reading is the foundation for everything students do in school and throughout their lives,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why we’re making historic investments to strengthen literacy instruction, support educators and help every student build the skills they need to succeed.”
“Districts across Massachusetts are doing important work to strengthen literacy instruction, and we’re proud to support them,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These investments will help schools build sustainable systems that give every student a strong foundation in reading.”
“Improving literacy outcomes takes more than a one-time investment—it requires sustained commitment to high-quality instruction,” said Education Secretary Dr. Stephen Zrike, formerly the Salem Superintendent of Schools. “By helping districts strengthen curriculum, build educator capacity, and support effective implementation, these grants will create lasting improvements for students across the Commonwealth.”
“We’re committed to strengthening implementation of high-quality literacy instruction and continuing to address persistent disparities in access and achievement,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Our work through PRISM grants and Literacy Launch Institutes is designed to help all students become strong readers and writers.”
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts, a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens through which we view our work. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff unconditionally serves each of our 4,000 students across 11 schools regardless of ability or language.
