RACINE, Wis. — A now-resolved but mysterious technology issue within the Racine Unified School District has parents and staff contacting TMJ4 News with questions.
In response, TMJ4 submitted a formal request for access to public records, which the district denied. However, in the letter denying TMJ4’s request, the district’s head of human resources explained why they are unable to share additional information about a recent “security incident” that she called an “attack.” against the district network.
This is a story that TMJ4’s Lighthouse team has been following since viewers began asking us questions and concerns on December 13, 2024.
“If it’s a real cyberattack or something like that, let parents know so we can be aware of it because it can spread anywhere,” said RUSD parent Joshua Stinson , December 20.
Since then, the district has released updates to parents and staff on how the network is working, but has not clarified whether there is a hacking or cybersecurity threat that staff and families need to be aware of.
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Watch: RUSD Letter Reveals New Details About Recent Tech Issues
Letter from Racine Unified School District reveals new details about recent technology issues
The district’s network was restored to normal on January 15.
Now, in the letter denying TMJ4’s request for information, Adria D. Maddaleni, RUSD’s human resources manager, explains that releasing additional information would reveal too much about the district’s network.
“Malicious actors, including those who recently attacked the neighborhood, may more easily attack the neighborhood in the future,” she said.
The letter calls the recent issue a “security incident” and goes on to say, “The malicious actors specifically threatened the district with a second attack if the public release of information associated with the first attack took place.”
The district says its goal is to protect the sensitive information of families and employees and to preserve trust in the community, although it remains unclear whether any of this sensitive information was compromised or breached during the recent attack.
The letter also states that multiple entities, including legal counsel, insurers and law enforcement, are investigating the incident.
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office and Racine Police Department told TMJ4 News they are not involved in any investigation related to this incident.
In a previous report, the FBI referred questions about the incident to the school district and shared information about ransomware, but did not confirm whether they were involved.
Meanwhile, online, the community rallied around RUSD teachers, applauding them for their hard work in adapting to challenges while the network was offline.
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