TWC OKs $140,000 to expand Windham School District training for incarcerated people nearing release

The Texas Workforce Commission approved an additional $140,000 to its interagency contract with Windham School District to continue an education-and-training program for people within two years of release from certain state correctional facilities.

Keri Ballast, Workforce Development Division, told commissioners the program launched under an interagency agreement in August 2022 and has since expanded to additional facilities and training options. Ballast said more than 500 people were assessed as potential candidates and “more than 250 have been enrolled.” She told the commission that Windham’s cost per participant has been higher than originally projected and staff recommended an extra $140,000 to serve roughly 75 additional participants through August 2025.

The additional funding will come from the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) commission reserve, Ballast said in response to a commissioner question asking where the original $750,000 came from. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the cost-per-participant estimate and were told startup expenses and learning-curve costs at Windham raised early per-participant spending.

A motion to approve the allocation carried. The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair stated, “Motion carries.”

The program is described in commission materials as an “integrated education and training” initiative that pairs classroom preparation with industry-aligned training and connects participants with employment services when they become eligible for release. Ballast said completions and outcomes “are meeting expectations.”

Commissioners did not request additional programmatic conditions in the public record of this item. Staff said the $140,000 would enable enrollment to continue through August 2025.