Launching a Virtual School in Kansas - Lessons Learned on the Digital Frontier

SESSION DATES & TIMES COMING IN AUGUST 2026

Audience Classification: Online Learning
Audience Expertise: All Levels - This session is intentionally designed to engage and provide value across experience levels-from beginners to seasoned leaders.
Grade Level Focus: Middle Schools, High Schools
Primary Audience: Counselor / St Support, Content Designer, District Leader
Does this session focus on a specific product? No – This session is focused on ideas, strategies, or practices, not a specific product or service.

Presenter(s)

Rebekah Redmer

Founder & CEO
Horizon Ed-Tech, United States
AN

Audrey Neuschafer

Director, Sunflower Virtual Academy
Augusta Public Schools USD 402
Andover, KS, United States
Amy Dreier

Principal
Smoky Valley Virtual Charter School
Lindsborg, KS, United States
MW

Matt Ward

Superintendent
Augusta Schools, USD 402, KS, United States

Abstract Description : This panel discussion explores the journey of launching a new virtual school in Kansas, created in response to the growing demand from students and families for personalized, flexible learning opportunities. Attendees will gain insight into the work of shaping the school, building systems and workflows, and learning quickly what’s necessary to meet the needs of a dynamic online environment—while balancing collaboration, technology, and compliance with state expectations. Through examples, lessons learned, and an engaging question-and-answer experience, participants will gain authentic insight into both the challenges and successes encountered along the way—leaving with practical strategies, useful tools, and fresh perspectives to strengthen or develop their own virtual schools or programs.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to reflect on considerations involved in shaping, organizing, and launching a virtual school.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify and discuss common challenges and successful strategies that inform effective virtual school design and implementation.