Superintendents_update

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superintendents_update@lists.needham.k12.ma.us

May 2026

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Canvas Update
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 08 May '26

08 May '26

Dear Needham Public Schools Families: I am writing to inform you of a recent cybersecurity incident involving Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS) used by Needham Public Schools and owned by Instructure. On Friday, May 1, 2026, we were first notified by Instructure that the Canvas system had experienced a security breach. We were subsequently informed that data associated with Needham Public Schools had been downloaded. On May 7, 2026, we were notified of a second breach involving the system. At this time, Instructure has confirmed that the information accessed included first names, last names, and email addresses for all Needham Public Schools students and staff. While we do not yet have written confirmation from Instructure, we are operating under the assumption that all students and staff were affected. We have also been informed of the potential that teacher gradebook data connected to our PowerSchool student information system could have been modified. At this time, this has not been confirmed. Immediately upon notification of the breach, we disconnected Canvas from PowerSchool to prevent any further potential compromise of data or systems. We have requested from Instructure a complete documented accounting of the incident, including exactly what data may have been accessed or modified. We are also continuing to closely monitor the situation and review any additional systems that could potentially have been affected downstream. Additional information from Instructure regarding this incident can be found here: https://www.instructure.com/incident_update We understand the concern that incidents like this create for families and staff, and we are committed to keeping you informed as we learn more. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.

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