[Superintendent's Update] Canvas Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

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 at 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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