Update: In a statement, USD 259 Superintendent John Allison said that the district is still investigating the hacking attempt and that there was no evidence at this time that it involves student records. While some of the district's computer programs may be down for the time being, the investigation's initial indications show that the hacking attempt was limited.
Original Story:
An investigation is underway at the Wichita Public School District to find the extent of a computer hacking attempt.
Wichita Public Schools says so far, it does not appear that student records were compromised.
District Spokeswoman Susan Arensman says the hacking attempt into one of the district’s computer systems was discovered late Friday.
"We had an employee, a staff member, who noticed an anomaly with one of the computer programs and so we immediately started to investigate," she says. "And at this time, we don’t know the extent of this hacking attempt so right now as a precaution, we have some of our computer programs down."
Arensman says they are not sure when the affected computer programs will be back online.
The disabled programs include the portals where students and parents can access grades and class information.
Arensman says the district is working with law enforcement and an outside cyber security agency to evaluate the hacking incident.
Wichita Schools Superintendent John Allison issued a statement to the district’s employees Monday morning: “While I understand the frustration this may cause, I appreciate your understand while we work through this investigation.”
According to Arensman, the district has about 7000 employees and more than 51,000 students.
