Windham reports SIMS rollout, cosmetology licensure success and strong CTE outcomes

Windham School District presented its 2024–25 annual performance report and a technology modernization update at the Windham Board of Trustees meeting.

SIMS and modernization: Windham launched a web‑based Student Information Management System (SIMS) to replace an older records system; SIMS centralizes rosters, attendance and reporting, and Windham said it will add automated attendance via ID scanning and more advanced outcome reports in future phases.

Program outcomes: Superintendent Christina Hartman and instruction leaders said about 50,000 students received Windham services in 2024–25. Key results included 3,520+ GED exam attempts with an 84.5% pass rate, 64% of eligible TABE students showing measurable gains in at least one subject, 8,487 CTE course completions and 13,353 industry‑based certificates earned. Windham also reported work with employers and registered apprenticeship opportunities.

Cosmetology spotlight: The district described the cosmetology curriculum at O'Daniel (roughly 1,000 required hours; eligibility for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license after required hours and PSI testing). The program pairs technical skills and business training; staff reported that recent alumni secured salon employment after release.

Why it matters: Windham’s modernization and career programming are central to the district’s re‑entry mission — improving employability and public safety by increasing educational attainment, certifications and employer connections for returning citizens.

What’s next: Windham will continue phased SIMS enhancements, automate attendance, expand postsecondary partnerships and report post‑release employment and apprenticeship data as it becomes available.