photo by: Contributed

Susan Cooper

The Lawrence school district has selected a familiar face to become the leader of its Virtual School.

The district announced in a news release on Tuesday that Susan Cooper will serve as the principal of Lawrence Virtual School, effective immediately. The school board approved the appointment as part of its personnel report on Monday.

Cooper, who previously served as the assistant principal and athletic director for Southwest Middle School, replaces Monte Westfall, who recently resigned from the position.

“Lawrence Virtual School is a leader in virtual learning, and it is an honor to be a part of that,” Cooper said in the news release. “I am looking forward to getting to know the staff, students, and families of the LVS community. I am excited to work with them to continue building a collaborative, equity-centered culture that cultivates high expectations for all.

Cooper served two years at Southwest Middle School and previously served one year as a learning coach and social studies teacher at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. Prior to joining the Lawrence school district, she taught social studies for four years in Topeka.

The district said it would immediately begin searching to fill the assistant principal and athletic director positions at Southwest Middle School.

The Lawrence Virtual School was launched in 2004 and currently serves 1,139 students in grades K-12 from across the state.