Springfield Central High School

A cyberattack described by officials as "sophisticated" knocked out IT systems across Springfield, Massachusetts public schools, forcing the cancellation of classes for an entire week for more than 23,000 students. Mayor Domenic Sarno said the breach left the district unable to access email, phones, medical and food databases, and curriculum systems. The FBI, Massachusetts State Police, and local police are investigating; officials have not disclosed who is responsible or how the attack occurred, though Sarno hinted at a possible ransom demand without elaborating.

Classes are set to resume Monday, with officials saying instruction will continue even if it means returning to "paper and pencil." Friday was designated a teacher professional development day. The shutdown disrupted child care and work schedules for families in the working-class city, prompting frustration and uncertainty among parents and students. The incident coincided with a separate cybersecurity breach reported in nearby Everett, underscoring growing concern over cyberattacks targeting municipal and school networks in Massachusetts.