Important Information Regarding California Student Data Security Incident
Dear Madera Unified Families,
The California Department of Education (CDE) has informed school districts throughout California of a data security incident involving Educational Testing Service (ETS), a third-party vendor that administers California’s statewide assessments.
We want to reassure our families that this incident did not involve a breach of Madera Unified School District’s systems. The incident occurred within a system operated by ETS. While more information is still being gathered, we believe it is important to keep our families informed and provide access to official information and available resources.
ABOUT THE DATA SECURITY INCIDENT
According to the CDE, on September 25, 2026, ETS identified unauthorized access to and copying of student information from a company-operated file transfer system. The incident involved information about California students, including students enrolled during the previous three school years.
The specific information involved varies by student, but may include:
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Student name, date of birth, residential address, school, district and grade level;
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Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) and local student identifier;
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Gender, race or ethnicity, primary language, country of origin and English learner status;
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Disability and Section 504 status, testing accommodations and primary disability type;
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Eligibility for certain programs, including Title I, Part A; Title I, Part C; McKinney-Vento; and Military Connected Student; and
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English language proficiency information and statewide assessment registration, participation, and results, where applicable.
According to the CDE, the information accessed and copied did not include Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, financial account information, credit or debit card information, account passwords, or parent and guardian personal information.
California school districts do not track or maintain records regarding immigration status.
NOTIFICATION AND IDENTITY PROTECTION SERVICES
Beginning October 16, 2026, ETS began notifying affected current and former students and families directly. ETS is also offering affected individuals two years of complimentary identity-protection services through Experian IdentityWorks.
Information about these services and enrollment instructions will be included in the official Notice of Data Breach sent to affected individuals.
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION
Families can access official updates and resources through the following California Department of Education links:
IDENTITY PROTECTION RESOURCES
Affected individuals can review the official CDE guidance for information about complementary identity-protection services and enrollment requirements.
Enrollment is available at no cost to eligible affected individuals. Families should refer to their official notification for enrollment instructions and any required activation information.
PROTECTING YOUR INFORMATION: BE ALERT TO SCAMS
We encourage families to remain vigilant and exercise caution when receiving unexpected emails, text messages, or phone calls that reference their student’s school, statewide assessments, or this incident.
Do not share personal, financial, or account information in response to unsolicited requests. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unexpected attachments, and verify website addresses before entering personal information.
For additional information about identity theft prevention and privacy, visit the California Department of Justice:
Enrollment is available at no cost to eligible affected individuals. Families should refer to their official notification for enrollment instructions and any required activation information.
KEEPING OUR FAMILIES INFORMED
We understand that news of a data security incident involving student information may raise concerns. Although this incident involved a third-party vendor and not Madera Unified’s systems, we are sharing this information to help our families stay informed and access available resources.
We encourage families to review the official notice and visit the California Department of Education’s website for the latest information.
Thank you for your continued trust with Madera Unified School District.
