How often have we heard about cyberattacks affecting Texas school districts? And how often have we heard that k-12 districts are underfunded for cybersecurity and/or don’t have trained personnel? Yet when they are offered money, many districts have not availed themselves of the support. Why? , ,
Between July 2023 and December 2024, 82% of K-12 schools experienced a cyberattack, according to a report from the Center for Internet Security. That same report showed 86% of schools said a lack of funding was their top concern in defending against cyberattacks.
To address the issue in Texas, two years ago, state lawmakers set up the K-12 Cybersecurity Initiative, setting aside $55 million to help schools protect their computer systems.
But despite the need, the I-Team found that nearly two years into the program, only a fraction of the money has been used.
Of the more than 900 school districts in Texas, only 300 had applied as of January 2025, according to records from the Texas Education Agency. By the time this two-year program ends in September, $28 million will be left on the table.
The TEA said many school districts were hesitant to apply, fearing that if the funding ends, they would have to pull money from other parts of the budget or quickly change cybersecurity plans. Other districts didn’t apply because they didn’t initially qualify.
Read more at CBS.