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January 8, 2025 

Dear Elizabeth Public Schools Learning Community, 

Late today, PowerSchool notified our Information Technology (IT) Department that Elizabeth Public Schools was among PowerSchool’s many worldwide clients whose data may have been accessed during a cybersecurity incident. 

We are awaiting more information; however, we want to ensure our community is aware that this is an ongoing situation that is being investigated at this time. We have been informed that it is safe to continue using your PowerSchool account.

WHAT HAPPENED?
According to PowerSchool, someone used a compromised credential to access data stored in their Student Information System (SIS). When PowerSchool became aware of the incident, they notified law enforcement, locked down the system and took additional steps. 

WHAT DATA COULD HAVE BEEN ACCESSED?
Initial information from PowerSchool indicates that Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for staff and students may have been accessed for some districts. This may include contact information, including names and addresses, dates of birth, and grade information for current and former students, and parent/guardian names and addresses. Please note that social security numbers and financial information was not compromised. The Elizabeth Public Schools does not retain social security numbers or financial in the PowerSchool Student Information System.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
PowerSchool has stated, “While we are unaware of and do not expect any actual or attempted misuse of personal information or any financial harm to impacted individuals as a result of this incident, PowerSchool will be providing credit monitoring to affected adults and identity protection services to affected minors in accordance with regulatory and contractual obligations.” While PowerSchool is responsible for this incident and its impact, out of an abundance of caution, Elizabeth Public Schools has notified its cybersecurity contractor to direct our further response. In addition, we have notified the official New Jersey state cybersecurity law enforcement agency. 

WHO CAN I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS?
We anticipate PowerSchool will be providing impacted individuals with resources for additional information, which we will share at that time. 

Respectfully, 

Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer