We are writing to update you regarding the recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the software vendor that provides our Student Information System (SIS). On December 28, 2024, PowerSchool became aware of a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access and exfiltration of certain personal information from its SIS through one of its community-focused customer support portals, PowerSource.
What Happened?
January 29, 2025, PowerSchool initiated the process of notifying individuals whose information was determined to be involved.
What Information Was Involved?
Due to differences in customer requirements, the specific information affected varies by individual. However, for those impacted, the types of data accessed may include one or more of the following:
Name
Contact information
Date of birth
Limited medical information
Social Security Number*
*Please note: Shawnee Public Schools does not collect Social Security numbers for students.
What Is Being Done?
PowerSchool has engaged Experian, a trusted credit reporting agency, to provide complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services to current and former students and educators who had information exfiltrated from PowerSchool SIS. PowerSchool is offering these services regardless of whether an individual’s Social Security Number was exfiltrated.
In the coming weeks, Experian (on behalf of PowerSchool) will be distributing direct email notifications to involved individuals (or their parent/guardian, as applicable) for whom PowerSchool has sufficient contact information. Additionally, PowerSchool has worked with Experian to set up a dedicated, toll-free call center to answer any questions associated with these offerings and the incident.
What You Can Do
If your personal information was affected by this incident and you are interested in enrolling in identity protection or credit monitoring services, you will find all the information regarding the activation of and access to these services will be included in the email sent to you by Experian. Whether or not you receive an email, you may also visit PowerSchool’s website to learn how to activate the offering from Experian, linked here.
Protecting our students and teachers remains our top priority. Thank you for your support and understanding during this time.
The above communication was sent to Shawnee Public Schools staff and families on February 3, 2025.