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Student Data Privacy

Notice of Vendor Data Security Incident

March 12, 2025
On January 8th, the Canton Public Schools shared that PowerSchool, our student information system software, was the target of a nation-wide cybersecurity incident.  

PowerSchool  has since confirmed that the incident resulted in a breach of data by an unauthorized user. The Canton Public Schools and PowerSchool immediately took corrective measures necessary to contain the incident.  PowerSchool also began notifying relevant regulatory agencies on our behalf as well as students and educators whose data was involved, and provided credit and identity monitoring services to the individuals affected.

Please access this LINK for additional information from PowerSchool regarding the event, as well as corrective measures the company is offering.  Should you have any further requests for information, please contact PowerSchool directly via their website.


January 8, 2025
On January 7, 2025, the Board of Education received preliminary notice from PowerSchool of a data security incident that impacted employee and student information. PowerSchool informed us that they experienced a cybersecurity breach on December 28th, which has affected school districts statewide as well as internationally.

At this time, the scope of the breach remains under investigation. We will continue to work with PowerSchool to guide any required next steps. While it is possible that some student data was compromised, please rest assured that the Canton Public Schools does not store social security numbers in our student information system and the district had no role in this incident. We have also reported this incident to the local authorities. We will share relevant information and updates as soon as it may become available.



Understanding Student Data Privacy 

Canton Public Schools is committed to ensuring  data privacy while leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning.  We work to implement meaningful educational and technological experiences for our students, in compliance with both Federal and State legislation. We abide by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal legislation designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. Although FERPA regulations only apply to student data, Canton Public Schools is committed to protecting the data of all of our constituents. All new pertinent contracts will also be in compliance with Connecticut State Law, Public Act 16-189.

It is the goal of the Canton Information Technology Department to facilitate the use of these applications effectively and safely. Canton Public Schools must ensure that our students’ educational experience is appropriate and relevant to the growing technical skills needed for future success needed for future success. To this end, we will do our best to implement only software and solutions with high ethical standards.

 

 

Approved Applications and Software

Canton has gone to extensive lengths to document all services and software applications used, what data is collected  by each service, and get a written agreement with each company to ensure  data privacy for students. The  "Approved for Use" list can be found here. We continue to vet applications, and expect to add additional services and applications to this list.

Applications and services that have signed a “Data Privacy Pledge” with the CT LearnPlatform are pre-approved for use in Canton Schools by the Superintendent. Each application or service used in our district that has been approved by the CT LearnPlatform is listed on the “Approved for Use” page as a Compliance Pledged service. 


Rejected Applications and Software

Unfortunately, not all services and applications that were previously used in Canton Schools  will sign a Student Data Privacy contract.. For this reason, these applications can no longer be used. Please click here to see the applications who have refused to sign a Student Data Privacy  agreement with Canton.

Teachers, if  the application is not on the above lists, please refer to the Teacher Resources page which outlines how to submit an application, software, or service for review and approval.


Student Data Privacy Quick Links