The widespread data breach of U.S.-based PowerSchool has also impacted Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS).
In a letter to parents on Jan. 7, WCPS superintendent Tim De Ruyck stated the data breach involved current and past student and staff information stored within the PowerSchool Student Information System.
"We recognize the critical importance of protecting personal information, and we want to assure you that this matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness," said De Ruyck.
"PowerSchool has informed us that they are actively implementing enhanced security measures and are working closely with law enforcement to address this situation."
According to WCPS, the compromised student information includes student names, mailing addresses, dates of birth, home phone numbers, and in some cases, basic medical information.
No financial information related to individuals in WCPS was involved in the breach.
"As we receive more information from PowerSchool, we will share that with you," said De Ruyck. "Please note that no action is required on your part."
School boards in multiple provinces have been affected by a data breach involving software used by schools across North America to store student information.
PowerSchool told school boards that it had experienced a data breach between Dec. 22 and 28.
Officials in Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador say they are working with PowerSchool to determine the extent of the breach.
PowerSchool said in a statement it has taken “all appropriate steps” to prevent further unauthorized access or misuse of the affected data.
The company says the incident is “contained,” and it does not anticipate the data will be shared or made public.
PowerSchool said it is providing services to its customers as usual as it continues to investigate the data breach.
“We take our responsibility to protect student data privacy and act responsibly as data processors extremely seriously,” it said in its statement.
- With files from the Canadian Press
