Minersville Area School District students will remain out of the classroom for a fourth consecutive day on Friday as district officials and cybersecurity specialists continue to battle a confirmed ransomware attack.
Superintendent Michael Maley told The Canary last night the district will not resume classes until the computer network and data are clear of threats.
A threat was initially discovered on Monday evening and schools at Minersville Area have been closed for classes since then.
The attack was first flagged by the district’s Sentinel1 anti-virus software, which alerted administrators to the intrusion. In response, the district’s technology department immediately took the network offline to limit the malware’s spread and began proactive safety procedures.
While the closure applies to the Junior/Senior High School, the Elementary Center, and Llewellyn, the district confirmed that transportation services will continue as scheduled for students attending the Schuylkill Technology Center, the Intermediate Unit, and alternative schools. After-school activities are also continuing as planned.
Federal law enforcement is currently investigating the incident.
Maley explained that while teachers and students could theoretically revert to “paper, pencils, and books” for instruction, the ransomware affects critical safety and operational infrastructure, including phone systems, student management data, and attendance records.
“As we make these decisions, we make them like it’s our children as well. It’s what’s best for all the students involved,” Maley said last night.
The district is utilizing a cyber insurance policy to access a “cyber coach” who is guiding officials through recovery protocols.
The reopening of Minersville Area schools continues to be evaluated on a day-by-day basis.
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