Tempe School District boosts cybersecurity training and student engagement initiatives

Cybersecurity training and student engagement took center stage at the Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) Governing Board meeting on May 21, 2025. The district's IT team reported significant progress in enhancing cybersecurity measures, including mandatory training for all core employees and plans to extend this training to students.

Since August 2021, TUHSD has implemented comprehensive cybersecurity training, a requirement for their cybersecurity insurance. The district has seen a dramatic decrease in phishing susceptibility among employees, dropping from 20.45% to an impressive range of 5.8% to 7.5% this school year. This success was partly attributed to a recent phishing test that resulted in zero employees falling for the scam after a mass email alert.

Looking ahead, the district plans to introduce optional cybersecurity training for students biannually, emphasizing the importance of digital safety in today’s tech-driven world. The IT team also aims to provide ongoing specialized training for staff and enhance customer service training for IT personnel.

In addition to cybersecurity, board members discussed the importance of student engagement in school safety initiatives. Board member Montero raised questions about metrics for assessing student engagement, highlighting the need for student-led methods to gather feedback. This aligns with the district's commitment to ensuring that student voices are heard in shaping school policies.

Furthermore, the board acknowledged the significance of the Sandy Hook Promise program, which positions Tempe as the second city in the U.S. to adopt this initiative. This program not only enhances school safety but also opens avenues for grant funding that could benefit the district.

The meeting underscored a collaborative approach to improving school safety and student well-being, with plans for ongoing surveys and feedback mechanisms to ensure that the needs and perspectives of students are prioritized. As the district moves forward, the focus remains on fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.