Two years after an audit highlighted significant concerns, North Salem Central School District leaves sensitive student data at risk

According to the Office of NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, North Salem Central School District’s audit follow-up as of May 2025 found that officials did not ensure network user accounts were adequately managed and that there were sensitive IT control weaknesses, which could allow undetected compromised accounts and improper changes to occur, potentially exposing students’ private information.

The review, issued on 26 September 2025, assessed progress on the 2022 audit North Salem Central School District – Network User Accounts, and noted that three recommendations were issued to tighten network access and user permissions. Of the three recommendations, district officials, the IT Director and IT staff implemented one and partially implemented two, with the remaining sensitive control weaknesses still communicated confidentially.

The district serves the Towns of North Salem and Somers in Westchester County and Carmel and Southeast in Putnam County, and is governed by a seven-member Board of Education responsible for policy, with the Superintendent and staff handling day-to-day management. The article highlights ongoing concerns from prior audits and the district’s progress as of May 2025.