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PCSD says PowerSchool data breach is being tracked; district implements vendor guidance and awaits state support
Summary
PCSD staff reported that PowerSchool notified districts of an international data breach in late December; the district said it implemented recommended vendor steps, notified school leaders, and expects vendor-provided credit-monitoring resources for affected families and staff.
District staff told trustees Jan. 9 that PowerSchool — the statewide student information system vendor — notified customers of a security breach discovered in late December that allowed unauthorized access to student and staff data.
A district presenter summarized steps taken since the vendor’s notification: PCSD staff attended a vendor webinar, implemented immediate recommended steps, notified school leaders, and coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). The SCDE informed districts that PowerSchool had engaged the FBI and that SCDE would notify the state attorney general and SLED. PowerSchool has signaled plans to provide communications packets and credit-monitoring resources to customers.
The presenter emphasized that this was a breach of the PowerSchool system, not a breach of the district’s internal systems. He said the district was monitoring developments closely and coordinating with the SCDE and vendor resources. In response to a board question about risks, the presenter said the primary concern was exposure of personally identifiable information and that vendor-provided credit monitoring would likely be offered to affected individuals.
The district said it would keep schools and families updated as more information and vendor resources become available.
