RCSD Superintendent addresses district-wide data breach
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The superintendent of the Rochester City School District is sharing insight into the district's recent data breach.
The breach took place in late December with a software called PowerSchool, which is used across the RCSD to keep student records.
District leaders have made clear that no identities have been compromised as a result.
The software is used by schools across the country. While there have been no reports of information being stolen, the district's superintendent says they are prepared to work with families and staff who may share concerns.
'This is inevitable in a large district. It's inevitable in a small district. At times, in small districts, it has a larger impact. All we can do is internally make sure our cybersecurity software is up to date. We're making sure we are in line with all of these outside vendors to ensure we are protecting students, families, and staff as much as possible,' said Demario Strickland, RCSD superintendent.
As a result of the breach, more than 130,000 student records could have been affected. The software houses information such as names, personal contact information, medical records, grades, and transcripts.
'These are systems that are fairly complex. They really drive the very essence of what the district needs information-wise. You figure when you're thinking about New York State as a whole, 700 districts, probably a third of them are using PowerSchool's information system,' said Strickland.
He adds the RCSD could look at alternative software to use in the future. However, given the size of the district, PowerSchool remains the most viable option.
'Be mindful of your material or information. Check and see if you have any changes. A lot of it does fall on behalf of the outside vendor. The vendor has been helpful in various ways by providing information on what to do in the event there may be an issue. We help navigate families and parents to those resources, so they understand there are other individuals available to help and support,' said Strickland.
RCSD families can follow along with updates from PowerSchool on the district's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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