Task force hears virtual schools' plea: students get IEP services but funding and contracts fall short

Leaders of Kansas’ public virtual schools told the Special Education and Related Services Funding Task Force on Aug. 6 that virtual students who have individualized education programs are receiving required services, but funding and contracting structures leave virtual providers covering shortfalls.

Kansas Connections Academy school leader Laura Hockman told the panel that her virtual school serves roughly 1,200 to 1,300 students statewide and that about 15% of those students — roughly 200 — have IEPs. “So why am I here today? The short answer is that virtual schools do not receive special education funding. KSDE requires virtual schools to meet all of the same legal obligations as in‑person schools for serving students with disabilities but with no additional funding,” Hockman said.

The presentations drew on two full‑time public virtual operators in the state. Cassandra Barton, head of school for Insight School of Kansas and Kansas Virtual Academy, said virtual programs provide the same federal and state requirements — licensed teachers, special‑education teachers, social workers, and contracted therapists where needed — but deliver many services remotely and rely on an adult “learning coach” at home to support students’ daily instruction.

“How does this work? We deliver our services virtually. We also hold all required meetings virtually as well, which works great for families,” Barton said.

Why the issue matters

Task force members pressed presenters and state officials on why virtual programs report funding shortfalls. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and reviser’s office told the group that special…