INDIAN LAND, S.C. (WBTV) – A massive data breach involving PowerSchool, the official student information system used by schools across the Carolinas, has left parents, teachers, and school districts worried. Sensitive personal information, including teacher and student social security numbers, was exposed.
The breach began on December 19, 2024, but PowerSchool didn’t detect it until December 28. Schools affected were notified as late as January 7, 2025. For now, Edgefield County Schools, Greenville County Schools, Horry County Schools, and Richland School District Two are confirmed safe from the breach in South Carolina.
In North Carolina, fewer than 1,000 student social security numbers were compromised, but over 1,000 teachers’ social security numbers were exposed. In South Carolina, York School District One reported that some social security numbers were leaked. Fort Mill School District confirmed that data, including social security numbers for eight former employees and two students, was breached.
Additionally, other information like names, addresses, phone numbers, and allergy requirements was affected.
Parents’ Concerns Over Personal Data
Parents say they’re most worried about what other personal data might have been compromised. One Lancaster County parent explained that when enrolling her child, she had to provide immunization records, birth certificates, photo ID, and two forms of proof of residency. The breach leaves families wondering if that data is also at risk.
School Districts Responding to the Breach
Lancaster County Schools, like many others across the nation, is working to address the situation. The district’s Director of Communications, Elizabeth Bryant, said people whose addresses and phone numbers were exposed will receive letters notifying them of the breach.
Even though PowerSchool is a third-party service, Lancaster County Schools is reviewing its own security measures.
“We’re talking with other IT directors in the state to see what changes they are making,” Bryant explained.
Demand for Identity Protection
The South Carolina Department of Education is putting pressure on PowerSchool to provide free credit and identity monitoring services for affected individuals.
Conclusion
As schools and state departments work to improve security, families hope for more transparency about what personal data was compromised. For now, everyone is urged to stay vigilant about protecting their identity and monitoring for any suspicious activity.
(Source : wbtv.com)
