USD 490 announces Jamie Sundgren as New Extend/Virtual School Administrator
USD 490 is pleased to announce the hiring of Jamie Sundgren as the district’s new Extend/Virtual School Administrator for the 2026-2027 school year. Sundgren brings more than 15 years of experience in education, along with a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and leadership.
Sundgren is finishing up her Educational Administration Building-Level Licensure at Emporia State University. She also holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from the University of Kansas. She is licensed to teach Biology, Chemistry, and General Science for grades 7–12.
Throughout her career, Sundgren has demonstrated a commitment to student learning, collaboration, and community engagement. She taught science at El Dorado High School from 2004-2007 and currently teaches biology and general science for grades 6-12 at Flinthills USD 492, where she has served since 2019.
Sundgren’s professional experience also includes working with Wichita State University’s Fairmount Center for Science and Mathematics Education, where she served as the Kansas JASON Project Coordinator. In that role, she managed a statewide STEM education program serving grades 4–9, organized professional development workshops for educators, coordinated a broadcast event for more than 2,000 students, and helped lead statewide academic competitions such as the State Science Olympiad and the Kansas Junior Academy of Science.
In addition to classroom teaching, Sundgren has long been involved in mentoring and leadership initiatives. She has participated in USD 492’s mentoring program for new teachers, helping guide educators as they begin their careers. She has also sponsored student activities such as robotics and contributed to school and community organizations including PTO, site council, and district accreditation efforts.
Sundgren’s dedication to education has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named a 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist, a USD 492 Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee for 2025–26, and receiving multiple teacher recognition awards throughout her career. She was also selected as one of 25 educators nationwide to attend training at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2002.
A native of the Flint Hills and a graduate of USD 492, Sundgren says her experiences in education have shaped her belief in the importance of strong relationships and teamwork.
“I truly love to experience the joy of learning with my students and am extremely passionate about mentoring, supporting, and empowering teachers,” Sundgren said. “I look forward to helping create an environment where both students and staff can grow and succeed.”
As Extend/Virtual School Administrator, Sundgren will support USD 490’s efforts to provide a flexible, high-level learning opportunities and a positive, collaborative, and respectful culture for students through Extend and the El Dorado Virtual School programs.
“As I become #PartOfThePride, I am committed to doing my part to make sure each member of the team feels valued and has the opportunity to learn and grow to their fullest potential,” Sundgren said.
USD 490 looks forward to the leadership, experience, and passion for education that Sundgren will bring to the role as #PartOfThePride.