An emergency meeting will be held Friday, Feb. 6. over whether the school should rent computers for Journalism, because of a three-week shutdown of software at the school, after a security breach, that would cause a major setback for the yearbook.

The cause for this shutdown is that a breach in the system was found by Ed Robles, district technology director. He discovered that the school’s system had been hacked, resulting in the loss of several files including tests and grades. As of now, no suspects have been found though the police department has started an investigation.

“The police are getting closer to the hacker…” Robles said, “He or she only left a few bread crumbs for us to follow.”

Because of this, a tradition going back 22 years, might not make it this year. “Yearbook day” is scheduled for May 29th. However, this year, with the computer shutdowns it might not be possible, disappointing everyone.

Not making the deadline for the yearbook “…would essentially kill an important tradition at the school,” Rodney Stephens, yearbook adviser said, “Ten years ago…I asked the principal if I should eliminate the event, and he was floored that I would even ask.”

Even though having this shutdown will be a huge inconvenience, officials believe it is something that had to be done in order to prevent any further harm.

“We understand the inconvenience of the shutdown, but it is necessary.” Robles said.

All students (even the ones that aren’t in journalism), are affected by this. Many not able to come back at a different time other than the end of the year, when it was originally scheduled.

“I am going out of state for college, and I am leaving the week after school is out,” Reggie White, senior, said, “I will certainly not be able to come back for a signing party in the summer or fall.”

Hearing this information, members of the yearbook committee are worried but still hope for the best. Desperately needing the computers, to finish in time for the company.

“If the board doesn’t approve the $500 expenditure, I am not sure what we will do,” Rodney Stephens, yearbook adviser, said, “I would rather not think that way. I am hoping for the best and crossing my fingers.”