In a recent government meeting, significant updates were shared regarding child nutrition services, Medicaid reimbursements, and a cyber attack that impacted the school district's operations.

The meeting highlighted the successful recruitment of a child nutrition food service supervisor after a nine-year vacancy, which is expected to enhance the management of critical USDA programs. Additionally, the district has improved its transportation services, with all local school buses now equipped with air conditioning. Four buses are designated to transport students to various hubs across the state on weekends.

A new internal auditor, Byron Blanchard, has been appointed to evaluate and improve governance and risk management within the district. His role includes overseeing the auditing process and ensuring that the district's controls are effective.

Discussion also focused on Medicaid services, with board member Ronnie Morris raising concerns about maximizing available resources. The district's liaison for school-based Medicaid services, Elizabeth Duncan, reported that they are actively working to bridge the gap between educational and medical services, ensuring that all eligible students receive necessary support. Monthly reviews and timely billing submissions are in place to optimize reimbursements.

The meeting also addressed a ransomware cyber attack that occurred on May 24, attributed to the Akira group. The IT department acted swiftly to isolate affected servers and preserve data, with support from the governor's office and state police. Approximately 17,000 notifications were sent to potentially affected stakeholders, and the district is currently in compliance with state law regarding data breach notifications. Restoration efforts are nearly complete, with most systems back online, allowing for a smooth start to the school year.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving services and maintaining transparency with stakeholders while navigating challenges in both nutrition and cybersecurity.