News Summary
North Carolina public schools are migrating to the new Infinite Campus student information system following a major data breach at PowerSchool. The breach exposed sensitive personal data, prompting measures to enhance security. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will fully implement the system, enabling parents to access student information starting August 2025. As schools prioritize data protection, safety concerns regarding ICE enforcement and rising crime rates have also emerged, bringing attention to potential new safety measures and policies in the educational environment.
Charlotte, NC – All public schools in North Carolina are transitioning to a new student information system, Infinite Campus, as a direct response to a significant data breach that occurred at PowerSchool in December 2024. This breach compromised sensitive personal information, including social security numbers and contact details of students and their families.
Infinite Campus is set to be utilized for accessing vital student-related information such as schedules, grades, and assignments. The transition comes amidst growing concerns over data security and privacy as the educational landscape adapts to digital platforms. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) have already implemented the Infinite Campus system fully; however, parents will have access starting August 4, 2025.
CMS leaders have underscored their commitment to safeguarding student data, assuring parents that Infinite Campus boasts strong security features with no reported breaches to date. As the shift occurs, parents are advised to continue using the Parent Square app for district communications. Infinite Campus will serve as the primary hub for all student information.
Background Context on PowerSchool Breach
The PowerSchool data breach has raised alarms not only in North Carolina but across the nation, pushing for stricter regulations on student data protection. The breach has prompted schools to evaluate their digital infrastructures and prioritize security measures to prevent any future incidents.
New Developments in Higher Education
In related news, Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Charlotte is preparing to welcome its inaugural class of students on July 14, 2025. This medical school is a part of a greater development initiative known as The Pearl, which is a $1.5 billion mixed-use district that will include shops, apartments, and medical facilities. Significant milestones in the establishment of the medical school include:
- 1887 – Establishment of Davidson School of Medicine in Mecklenburg County
- 2019 – Announcement of plans for a new medical school by Atrium Health and Wake Forest
- 2021 – Accreditation approval received for the new medical school
- 2022 – Naming of The Pearl district after Pearl Street Park
- 2023 – Groundbreaking ceremony for The Pearl District
- 2025 – Introduction of the first class of 49 medical students, with future plans to increase enrollment to around 100 students
Safety Concerns in Schools
Despite these developments, safety remains a significant concern in the educational environment. This week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly appeared near the Charlotte East Language Academy (CELA) during student drop-off. While no arrests on school property were confirmed, the presence of ICE prompted the local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to call for clear policies regarding ICE enforcement to ensure that safety and dignity are upheld for all students, regardless of their immigration status.
Crime rates within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have experienced fluctuations since the pandemic. Although overall crime rates have decreased since a spike post-pandemic, they still remain above pre-pandemic levels. For instance, the overall crime rate in CMS was recorded at 10.07 acts per 1,000 students during the 2023-24 school year. Notably, 60% of these crimes were related to drug possession.
Concerns over physical altercations have shifted focus, as newer threats such as potential active shooter situations and ICE enforcement have emerged as greater risks to student safety. Fortunately, the number of assaults has decreased, aligning with pre-pandemic statistics, although a rise in overall crime reports largely stems from drug-related incidents. Notably, CMS is currently facing staffing shortages, with over 360 vacancies impacting the ability to effectively monitor student safety.
Future Safety Measures
In an effort to enhance student safety, a bill is being considered in North Carolina to limit student access to cell phones within schools. In addition, various measures, such as anonymous reporting systems and security training for staff, have been established to bolster safety protocols across the state. The North Carolina Task Force for Safer Schools has launched a comprehensive five-year action plan aimed at ensuring that every school embodies a secure learning environment.
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Additional Resources
- QC News: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Transition
- Wikipedia: Data Breach
- Charlotte Observer: Business News
- Google Search: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
- WBTV: Remote School Days
- Google Scholar: Charlotte Mecklenburg Education
- STN Online: Transportation Leadership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- WECT: Safety Concerns in Schools
- Google News: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Data Breach
Author: HERE Charlotte
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