Shrewsbury School Committee faces cybersecurity breach affecting student demographic data

In the heart of Shrewsbury, the School Committee convened on January 8, 2025, under the warm glow of city hall lights, where discussions ranged from community engagement to pressing cybersecurity concerns. The meeting opened with an invitation for residents to voice their thoughts on policies, budgets, and the performance of the superintendent, emphasizing the committee's commitment to transparency and community involvement.

A significant moment came when committee member Lindsay announced her decision not to seek reelection after two terms. "I have loved serving on this committee," she shared, reflecting on her time and the challenges that led to her decision. Her announcement set the stage for a community-wide conversation about upcoming elections and the importance of civic participation.

The meeting then shifted to Superintendent Dr. Sawyer's report, where he expressed gratitude to educators for their efforts during a recent early release day dedicated to advancing strategic priorities, particularly in literacy. However, the tone quickly turned serious as Dr. Sawyer addressed a global cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the district's student information system. He detailed how a hacker compromised demographic data, including names, addresses, and contact information, but reassured the community that no sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data, was affected.

Dr. Sawyer explained that PowerSchool had taken steps to ensure the compromised data was destroyed and was working with federal agencies to investigate the breach. He urged families to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts and to monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity. The district plans to provide credit monitoring for affected adults and identity protection services for minors, highlighting their commitment to safeguarding student information.

As the meeting concluded, the committee's focus on community engagement and proactive measures in the face of cybersecurity threats underscored the challenges and responsibilities of modern educational governance. The discussions not only reflected the immediate concerns of the Shrewsbury community but also set the stage for future dialogues about safety, transparency, and the importance of informed participation in local governance.