Kearney Public Schools hit by cyberattack, disrupts communications
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Kearney Public Schools (KPS) in Nebraska was hit by a cybersecurity incident that crippled the district's technology infrastructure, leaving phones, email, computers, and network-dependent systems offline.
The attack was discovered on Friday, October 10, 2025 and forced the district to use emergency procedures as students and staff returned to classrooms on Monday, October 13, with no access to digital communication tools or instructional technology.
The Centegix rapid response system, which provides emergency alert capabilities, is fully operational using external Wi-Fi connectivity independent of the compromised district network. Fire suppression systems continue functioning normally as standalone systems not connected to the district's technology infrastructure. All secure door locks remain operational, ensuring building access controls are maintained throughout the incident.
District officials have explicitly stated that this incident was not ransomware, but other details of the attack are not disclosed. KPS technology teams, working with external cybersecurity experts are investigating the breach.
No details are disclosed about any exposed data or number of affected individuals.
Since student information system currently inaccessible, teachers have been required to take attendance manually, submitting paper records to administrative offices for later entry into the system once normal operations resume.
School phones and email systems are completely offline, requiring anyone needing to contact the district to do so in person by visiting school buildings directly.
Kearney Public Schools has committed to providing ongoing updates to the community as the investigation progresses and systems are restored.
