Wyndham School District board approves 2025–2029 strategic plan; board highlights postsecondary shift and CTE growth

The Wyndham School District Board of Trustees approved the district—s 2025'029 strategic plan on Dec. 13, following a report from Superintendent Christina Hartman on recommendations from the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.

The plan, presented by Division Director of Instruction Kevin Sonic, updates the district—s mission and vision and outlines five goals to expand high‑quality instruction, career and technical education (CTE) offerings, professional development, technology improvements and placement of graduates into postsecondary pathways or employment. Vice Chair Faith Johnson moved to approve the plan and the motion passed by voice vote.

Hartman told trustees the Sunset Commission staff report included a recommendation to transition oversight of postsecondary education in the prison system from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to Wyndham. She said Wyndham staff have already begun outreach to potential partners and have visited colleges in Amarillo and other locations to explore program expansion. "We are going to the territory of the college. We are meeting on their campuses to see what their needs are," Hartman said.

Trustees heard examples of CTE expansion during a program spotlight that followed the report. Cora Gleason, Wyndham—s horseshoeing and entrepreneurship instructor, described a two‑year apprenticeship that combines horse health and farriery with entrepreneurship training. "You can provide for your family," Gleason said of career prospects for trained farriers, adding that graduates can work independently for stables, veterinarians or as mobile service providers.

Trustees and staff discussed space and scheduling challenges at education departments that must accommodate both Wyndham staff classes and visiting postsecondary partners. Charles Bell, Wyndham—s director of operational support, has completed space assessments to identify classrooms and scheduling options, Hartman said.

The board also received a recruitment and retention update from Communications Program Coordinator Vanessa Dotson and Human Resources Administrator Maggie Lima. Dotson said the district had launched a recruitment video and increased outreach through job fairs, digital marketing and partnerships with local colleges. As of Oct. 31, 2024, the district reported a 79.6% teacher fill rate and an 84.7% non‑teacher fill rate; staff described changes such as tuition reimbursement, mentorship and improved onboarding as retention measures.

Why it matters: The actions formalize the district—s strategic priorities for the next five years and underscore a planned expansion of postsecondary opportunities for students in TDCJ custody. The board—s approval sets in motion partnership and implementation steps that Wyndham staff said they are already pursuing.

Trustees reiterated that rule review and statutory alignment remain underway: Hartman reported that general counsel has begun a review of two board rules identified in the Sunset staff report, one on board organization and one on public presentations. The board did not vote on rule changes at the meeting.