O’FALLON, Mo. — All Francis Howell School District students are learning remotely Tuesday and Wednesday after “unexpected” network outages affected computer systems.

What You Need To Know

  • In an email that went out to families, Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos said officials responded quickly to confirm the security of the district’s systems and are working to restore full functionality as soon as possible

  • The district is working with third-party computer specialists to investigate the source of the activity and any impact on the systems. The investigation into the activity causing the network disruption is ongoing

  • Roumpos said the district hopes to safely hold in-person classes by Thursday, but there could be a full week of remote learning if systems are not restored

  • Updates will be provided as the district learns more information and a decision regarding in-person learning will be made by 5 p.m. Wednesday

In an email that went out to families, Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos said officials responded quickly to confirm the security of the district’s systems and are working to restore full functionality as soon as possible.

“We took steps to ensure that all connected systems remain offline while our investigation proceeds and are utilizing workaround procedures during the downtime to enable business efforts to continue,” he said in the email.

The district is working with third-party computer specialists to investigate the source of the activity and any impact on the systems. The investigation into the activity causing the network disruption is ongoing.

“Our technology team has been working diligently throughout the weekend and holiday to restore internet service to all buildings,” Roumpos said in the email.

“However, we anticipate that we will continue to face connectivity issues this week. Key systems that are critical to our ability to teach and keep students safe at school may be inaccessible until the issue is resolved.”

Roumpos said the district hopes to safely hold in-person classes by Thursday, but there could be a full week of remote learning if systems are not restored.

The district has more than 17,000 students, according to Niche. 

Updates will be provided as the district learns more information and a decision regarding in-person learning will be made by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Vacation Station also will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. After-school sports and activities will continue as scheduled unless otherwise notified.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience,” Roumpos said.

 

 

He asked for questions to be emailed to communications@fhsdschools.org. Those who submit questions can expect a delay in response because of ongoing connectivity issues.

Spectrum News has reached out to the district for comment.