Ransomware Attack Shuts Down Summer Operations At ETHS

District systems, internet and phones ARE disrupted, canceling summer classes, camps and on-campus activities.

By Rachel Barnes, Patch Staff

Jun 8, 2026 10:10 am CDT

All Summer School classes, sports camps and other on-campus activities scheduled during this time are canceled. (Jonah Meadows/Patch)

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston Township High School will be closed until Wednesday after a ransomware attack disrupted school systems, internet services and computer infrastructure.

All Summer School classes, sports camps and other on-campus activities scheduled during this time are canceled.

School officials said the attack happened June 7.

"Upon discovering the incident, we immediately activated our incident response procedures and engaged external cyber breach attorneys and cybersecurity forensic experts to assist with the investigation and recovery process," school officials said. "The district is cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) as part of the ongoing investigation."

Leaders said they are working with outside specialists to find out what information may have been accessed or acquired and to restore normal operations.

The disruption is affecting daily communication and online access for families and staff. The district said phone systems are unavailable, and staff may have limited access to email. Families also may not be able to use some online tools, accounts or school resources, including Home Access Center.

Students also may not be able to access certain online tools, accounts or school resources during this time.

Teachers and staff are working with limited access to email and systems while recovery efforts continue. Staff do not currently have access to district Google accounts or other network systems, including eSchool, according to the officials.

The district said teachers and staff who are not scheduled to work during the summer will receive support to restore access to their accounts in the coming days.

For now, the closure and cancellations apply only to June 8 and 9. Regular updates will be posted at eths202.org/CybersecurityIncident.

"We understand this situation is disruptive and appreciate your patience and flexibility. Additional updates and instructions will be provided as they become available," officials said.