Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas brings together local experts to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way.
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This event is now over.
QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:
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BASIC DETAILS
This online session will be held on:
Thursday, June 26, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).
The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.
Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.
This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.
ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC
Around 75% of people currently in prison have low literacy skills (source). But when people who are in prison participate in education programs, they are 43% less likely to re-offend, compared to people who do not participate (source).
Education while in the corrections system makes a huge difference to what happens when adults leave the system. The Windham School District administers educational programs within the corrections system for the state of Texas, and prepares students to be contributing members of their communities through robust and innovative program opportunities.
Join us online and learn more!
GUESTS THIS MONTH
Our guests this month are all from the Windham School District. Windham is a school district that provides educational services to students in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The district has its headquarters in Huntsville.
Windham is one of the largest correctional education systems in the United States, providing educational programs and services in most Department of Criminal Justice facilities.
The goals of the district in educating its students are to:
- Reduce recidivism;
- Reduce the cost of confinement or imprisonment;
- Increase the success of former students in obtaining and maintaining employment; and
- Provide an incentive to students to behave in positive ways during confinement or imprisonment.
Kristina J. Hartman
Superintendent
Windham School District
Kristina J. Hartman has served as superintendent of Windham School District since 2019, operating 100 schools in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Superintendent Hartman’s 22-year career in education in corrections has included a variety of roles in both Florida and Texas.
Her focus areas include education in corrections policy related to terminology, identification and removal of unnecessary employment barriers, access to higher education and award of credits for prior learning, digital literacy and technology advancement.
Ms. Hartman earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Political Science from Baylor University, Master of Arts in Special Education and Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Superintendent Hartman previously served as the President of the Council of Directors for the Correctional Education Association and is a board member for the Texas Corrections Association and Board of Governors member for the American Correctional Association.
Outside of work, Ms. Hartman enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, swimming, and attending live music events.
Robert O’Banion
Chief Financial Officer
Windham School District
Robert O’Banion is the Chief Financial Officer for Windham School District. He started working for the district in 2012 and currently oversees the areas of Information Technology, Human Resources, Operational Support and Financial Services for the entire district across Texas.
Mr. O’Banion has a bachelor’s of Agricultural Systems Management from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University. After college he worked in corporate America within the lumber industry before changing careers and accepting a position in 2008 with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice within their Business and Finance Division where he received experience in government finance.
When not at work Mr. O’Banion enjoys spending time in state and national parks, working on the family ranch, and camping and backpacking adventures with his wife and daughters.
Luann Pickett
Department Director of Instruction
Windham School District
Luann Pickett is the department director of instruction for Windham School District. She has been an integral part of Windham School District since 1990, dedicating over 35 years to fostering student success.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Pickett has served in various roles across nine campuses district-wide, including study aide, testing specialist, teacher, assistant principal, college coordinator, campus principal and most recently, East Texas regional principal.
In every role she has held, Ms. Pickett has always demonstrated unwavering dedication to Windham. In February 2025, she was promoted to department director of instruction, overseeing the Assessment, Advisement and Records; Special Education and Federal Programs; Library Services and Professional Development departments. Ms. Pickett holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin University and a Master of Education from Sam Houston State University.
Committed to Windham’s mission of educational excellence, as regional principal, Ms. Pickett successfully cultivated a well-rounded team of principals capable of advancing within the district; three of her former principals now serve as regional principals themselves.
Dr. Stephanie Dominique
Federal Programs Administrator
Windham School District
Dr. Stephanie Dominique is a seasoned education leader and lifelong learner with over 20 years of experience, primarily in special education. Her work centers on advancing equity in both educational access and leadership development. She has consistently led inclusive practices that support students with diverse learning and life experiences across public and alternative education settings.
Dr. Dominique currently serves as the Special Education and Federal Programs Administrator for Windham School District, which operates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Since 2020, she has directed initiatives that promote compliance and equitable access to special education and Title I services for the student population.
Her academic credentials include a B.S. in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Counseling, a second Master’s in Educational Administration, and a Ph.D. in Leadership in Educational Administration with a focus on special education and equity-driven systems change.
In addition to her leadership role, Dr. Dominique mentors youth in residential and juvenile justice placements, supporting their development of leadership, self-advocacy, and self-determination skills. Her work reflects a deep commitment to dismantling barriers and empowering marginalized individuals to reach their full potential.
Her purpose is rooted in building systems that elevate all learners and create sustainable, inclusive pathways for long-term success.
Ted Watts
Career and Technical Education Administrator
Windham School District
Ted Watts has been with Windham School District for 24 years, where he has dedicated himself to providing second chances through education. With 21 years of experience in the construction industry, including owning his own business, Mr. Watts transitioned to education in 2001 to pursue his passion for helping others. He spent 14 years as a career and technical education (CTE) teacher, sharing his industry knowledge while understanding the challenges faced by students pursuing careers in the field.
In 2014, Mr. Watts became a CTE field specialist, offering guidance to fellow educators. Then, in 2018, he was promoted to CTE department administrator. His diverse background has shaped his perspective, emphasizing the importance of skills and opportunities for success.
Mr. Watts is deeply committed to creating transformative learning experiences that empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Ashley Koonce
College and Career Readiness Administrator
Windham School District
Ashley Koonce joined Windham School District in March of 2022 and now serves as the College and Career Readiness Administrator.
Ms. Koonce has a diverse background spanning over 15 years in corrections, rehabilitation and education. She currently leads a team who facilitate occupational licensing efforts, assist with employer and community partner engagement and coordinate postsecondary collaboration. Ms. Koonce holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Business Administration, as well as a Master of Science in Criminal Justice all from Sam Houston State University.
Host:
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas
RESOURCES
Thanks so much to the Windham team for sharing these resources!
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
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Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.
SPECIAL THANKS
[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]
The Texas Workforce Commission
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Checked/updated 6/26/25
