COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A Midlands school district says its staff has been paid and changes are in effect following a recent cyberattack.
Lexington-Richland School District Five confirmed to WIS on Tuesday that teacher bonuses impacted by the hack have since been paid.
“The investigation into School District Five’s data security incident has revealed that some data was taken from the district network,” a spokesperson said. “We are still working with third-party experts to determine the scope and nature of the impacted data. If any sensitive data was impacted, the district will follow the expert forensic and legal recommendations to address this issue. As the investigation progresses, we will keep the board informed of any concerns. At this time, we have no reason to believe that any sensitive data is being misused.”
LR5 Superintendent Akil E. Ross told WIS earlier this month that the financial, academic and technology teams were able to operate in a secure manner to ensure that the June 15 payroll could be completed and payments distributed on time.
The district had initially launched an investigation on June 4 after a “data security incident” was detected. The hack prevented retention bonuses from going out on time to staff after being scheduled for June 6.
NEW DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY NAMED
LR5 also named Kendrick Davis as its new director of technology on Tuesday. Davis will take over for Jenny Garris, who officials said has “taken a new position outside of the district.”
The district said Davis currently serves as a Technology Infrastructure Specialist with LR5 and has also worked as an information systems resource specialist and as the district’s information resource technician. LR5 added that Davis has more than 20 years of experience and previously served in the United States Army.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected to lead the Technology Department for Lexington-Richland School District Five,” Davis said in a statement provided by LR5. “I am truly excited about this new role and the opportunity to continue driving innovation and advancement in education through the effective use of technology. Being entrusted with this position means a great deal to me, and I am committed to doing my very best to serve our district with excellence.”
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