Jeff City schools data breach potentially affects 'several thousand'

NEW BLOOMFIELD — A data breach by an employee of the Jefferson City Public Schools could affect thousands of current and former students and includes medical information and identification numbers, the district announced Wednesday.

According to a press release, the district recently determined that an employee transferred district files to a private internet account. The information could impact "several thousand current and former students." It includes names, addresses, medical information, and Missouri Student Identification System numbers.

The employee has been asked to return the files and has refused. The district does not name the employee or the position he or she holds, but indicated that the person is still employed by the district and has been placed on administrative leave. The employee's access to the district's network has been stopped.

The district says it has no evidence that any identity theft has occurred, but it encourages people to be vigilant for signs of it.

Superintendent of Schools Larry Linthacum was not available for comment.

District board president Lorelei Schwartz and members Steve Bruce and Ken Enloe did not want to comment on the breach; other board members could not be reached for comment.

Additional information is available at www.jcschools.us or by calling 866-775-4209.