Rekha Kakkar
Updated on: October 9, 2024 2:47 am GMT
Highline Public Schools Cancel Classes Due to Cybersecurity Concerns
BURIEN, Wash. — In a significant precautionary measure, Highline Public Schools announced the closure of all schools on Monday following the discovery of unauthorized activity within its technology systems. The district informed the community via a Facebook post on Sunday evening, sharing that all school activities, including sports and meetings, would also be canceled. This news comes as many students, particularly kindergarteners, were preparing for their first day of the new school year.
Immediate Actions Taken Amid Investigation
Highline Public Schools has taken immediate steps to secure the integrity of its technology infrastructure. According to chief communications officer Tove Tupper, the district has isolated the affected system while collaborating with state and federal partners to address the situation. “There are a lot of systems that we rely on to be able to operate schools that we have essentially cut off access to as we investigate,” Tupper stated.
During this investigation, critical systems that facilitate school operations, such as transportation routing and attendance tracking, have had their access restricted. “It’s not that those systems have been compromised at this point. It’s just that we’ve shut off access as we conduct our investigation,” she explained.
Prioritizing Student Safety
The decision to close schools is not one that the district took lightly. Tupper emphasized the importance of safety for students and staff, stating, “We couldn’t bring students into our schools when we know that it wasn’t safe to do so.” Notifications are being sent to the families of more than 18,400 students through robocalls, text messages, and emails to inform them of the closure.
Currently, there is no clear timeline for when the schools may reopen. Tupper mentioned that staff members will likely work throughout the night to investigate the unauthorized activity. While no evidence has been found suggesting that the personal information of students, families, or staff has been compromised, the district continues to prioritize safety and transparency as the situation unfolds. Families will receive an update by 2 p.m. on Monday regarding the possibility of Tuesday’s school schedule.
Mixed Reactions from Students and Parents
Reactions to the closure have been varied among students and parents. Leo Flores Rosales, an 11th grader at Raisbeck Aviation High School, shared his mixed feelings. “I’m grateful that we don’t have school tomorrow,” he said, adding that many high school students were likely feeling relieved. However, he also expressed hope that the closure would not extend too long, highlighting the importance of school for educational continuity.
Flores Rosales remarked, “If it is worse… most of the kids don’t want that, because they like going to school.” The abrupt cancellation of classes poses challenges for families who depend on school schedules, and many parents are anxious about the disruptions it brings.
The Path Forward: Ongoing Investigation and Reassurance
The district remains committed to keeping its community informed as the investigation progresses. While families are advised of the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools, Tupper reassured them, stating, “We know that our families and students depend on us, but student safety is our number one priority.”
As the situation develops, parents and students alike are left waiting for updates, recognizing the balance between operational safety and the essential role of education in their lives. Highline Public Schools continues to prioritize communication and safety while working diligently to resolve the current cybersecurity concerns.
For More Information
For ongoing updates regarding the status of Highline Public Schools, families are encouraged to monitor the district’s official social media channels and website. As this story develops, further details will be made available to the community.
- Highline Public Schools Official Website
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
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