In the video player: Continuing coverage of the TUSD cyber attack
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Tucson Unified School District is still in the process of picking up the pieces after a cybersecurity threat hit the district in late January.
Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo notified the TUSD community in a letter Friday that its operations staff is restoring access to its systems that went offline as a result of the Jan. 30 cyber attack, including email and payroll.
Payroll went out on time, according to Trujillo, though those employees who may have needed pay adjustments, including overtime, may not have received their total compensation owed.
"The district processed payroll on schedule to successfully pay all our employees today, this was one of our highest priorities," Trujillo said. "We understand there are some employees that may not have received complete compensation for overtime or pay adjustments."
"Additional network security enhancements" have also been implemented, according to Trujillo's letter.
An audit by the state indicated as early as 2018 that the district's network security was 'inadequate,' but Blaine Young, TUSD's Chief Operations Officer, told the public that the district had followed through on those recommendations.
Read the full letter below:
Hello TUSD Community
As you may know Tucson Unified was the victim of a cyberattack on January 30. In the past 2 weeks, our team has been able to restore network access and recover impacted systems while our teachers and staff continue educating and supporting our students and families. This past week we implemented additional network security enhancements, reactivated the internet, email, and access to essential systems. The district processed payroll on schedule to successfully pay all our employees today, this was one of our highest priorities. We understand there are some employees that may not have received complete compensation for overtime or pay adjustments. These circumstances are a result of lost access to Visions last week. These payments are a priority and are in the process of being resolved.
Also, we are happy to share we were able to re-activate our ParentVUE accounts, so families have visibility to student progress and teacher communication.
We are very proud and appreciative of the efforts and support of everyone in the district and the third-party experts who have helped to guide us through this process. Major progress is being made every day and will continue until we have all systems functioning. Thank you again for your support and understanding.
Thank you
Dr. Gabriel Trujillo
Superintendent, Tucson Unified School District
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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
