PCSD authorizes superintendent to sign counsel contract and join PowerSchool-related litigation

The South Carolina Public Charter School District board on June 12 authorized Superintendent Chris Neely to sign an attorney‑client contract to join national litigation related to the December 2024 PowerSchool data breach.

PCSD staff told trustees that PowerSchool — a widely used student information system provider — experienced an international data breach in December 2024 and that preliminary information indicated the district and its schools were directly impacted. Staff said PowerSchool has offered credit monitoring but that there was no independent evidence that the company had eliminated all risk or destroyed compromised data. Given the uncertainty and potential exposure of personally identifiable information, staff recommended joining a mass action case and asked the board to authorize the superintendent to sign the attorney‑client contract with the law firm representing the mass action (transcript alternately referenced "Friends Law Group" and "Franz Law Group").

A staff presenter summarized the district’s concerns: "we have no evidence of any current or future impact because we are aware that personally identifiable information may have been compromised in the attack," and described the breach as "historic in nature." Trustees voted to authorize the superintendent to enter the attorney-client contract by voice vote; no recorded opposition appeared on the meeting record.

Staff said the law firm will assist PCSD in evaluating claims and seeking relief on behalf of affected families and the district. Staff also said they will notify schools and provide updates to the board about litigation status and any relief obtained.

The board’s authorization allows staff to execute the contract and join coordinated legal efforts on behalf of impacted students and families.