O’FALLON, Mo. – After falling victim to a cyberattack earlier this week, the Francis Howell School District announced all schools will return to in-person sessions on Thursday.
According to Superintendent Kenneth Roumpos, a cyberattack that used malware to encrypt some systems affected the district. Law enforcement was notified of the attack and third-party computer specialists were brought in to investigate sources.
The district released a statement Monday saying there was unexpected activity affecting computer systems. The disruption forced schools to learn remotely Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I want to reiterate that the decision to utilize AMI days this week was less about teaching without technology and more about ensuring that we could keep all students safe and healthy while in our care,” Roumpos said in a release.
Multiple systems went under inspection to ensure safety, including key fobs, building intercoms, exterior door intercoms, fire alarms, and HVAC systems.
In addition to this, the district worked to confirm access to information such as emergency contacts, bus routes, IEP and 504 plans, medical plans and more that’s needed to safely hold in-person learning, according to the release.
Roumpos also noted that schools will not have access to internet for instructional purposes for at least the rest of the week.
The superintendent expressed his gratitude for the community during this time.
I would like to humbly thank our parents/guardians, staff, students and the broader FHSD community for their patience and understanding as we worked to ensure the operation of all systems necessary to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff. The outpouring of support from many individuals and organizations in our community (libraries, churches, day camps, fellow parents offering childcare and so many other examples) is a true testament to the #OneHowell spirit.
