The Wayne-Westland School District has been dealing with significant disruptions to its communication systems after experiencing a cyberattack on December 3, 2024. The attack, which encrypted certain systems with malware, crippled both phone and internet services, with phone lines still not fully restored as of February 2025. While internet access was quickly brought back online, the continued inability to make or receive phone calls has been a persistent issue for the district.
In an update shared with the community, the district emphasized that they launched an immediate investigation following the attack, which revealed that the disruption was caused by encrypted systems. They have since been working with computer forensic specialists to restore systems as quickly and securely as possible. In addition, law enforcement was notified as part of their efforts to mitigate the impact of the breach.
Despite these efforts, many parents have voiced their frustration with the prolonged inconvenience. “I don’t understand how they don’t have phone service,” said Amanda Craft, while others like Diane Browne acknowledged the complexities of recovering from a cyberattack, stating, “Cyber attacks can take months to resolve all issues that it has caused.”
Several parents also took to social media to share their experiences and concerns. Jennifer Aren Zahler, who works within the district, defended the district’s response, saying, “In four days, they had the internet back up. Many companies wouldn’t have been able to do that and have not.” She acknowledged the challenges but also noted the progress the district has made in restoring other services, such as printers and cameras.
However, not all reactions have been as forgiving. Eric Cleereman, with 25 years of experience in Information Systems, raised critical questions about the district’s preparedness, suggesting that there were failures in the backup systems and that the district’s response could have been more swift and effective. “Why has the Executive Director of Technology and Innovation not yet been replaced?” he questioned. “Rather than making excuses, deliver results.”
As frustrations grow, many parents are turning to email as a means of communication, though even that method has proven cumbersome. Stacy Noctii Wells shared her frustration: “What is frustrating is that I need to talk to someone at the school, so I asked my daughter to ask them to call me. They told her they can’t.”
The district continues to ask for patience as they work to resolve the issues, but the community’s tolerance is wearing thin. With no clear timeline for the full restoration of phone services, many parents are left wondering how much longer they can endure this disruption.
The district encourages communication via email at info@wwcsd.net for parents, though responses have been delayed, and some are still waiting for resolutions.
References:
- Wayne-Westland Community School District Cybersecurity Incident Update
- Letter from Daryl G. Beebe, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation
- Westland Community News, Updates on December 3, December 4, January 9, January 16,
- Parent and Staff Comments on Social Media Platforms, January 2025
- WXYZ: Wayne-Westland parents keep children home for school over safety concerns
