*[Editor's Note: We have since learned more about the observed "activity" and have an update to share.]
Oct 22nd -Despite attempts for clarification, the Highline School District has declined to respond to concerns surrounding the continued activity of an official district email address tied to a former school board director, Aaron Garcia Virgin — one who left office nearly three years ago!
The email address in question, aaron.garciavirgen@highlineschools.org, appears to remain active and in use, despite the fact that Aaron Garcia Virgen concluded his term as a School Board Director in December 2023. Public records show he is neither currently employed by the district, nor holding any elected office. Yet, district emails sent to this address are still being opened and interacted with — including links clicked leading to news stories published by The Highline Journal.
Additionally, Garcia-Virgen remains listed in the district’s official Staff Directory under the title "School Board," alongside resigned members Melissa Petrini and Azeb Hagos — further adding to the confusion about his status and access. However, we have confirmed that both Petrini's and Hagos's accounts are disabled with our emails bouncing back as they should.
In an inquiry sent to the district, The Highline Journal requested confirmation on whether the account was properly disabled upon the end of Garcia Virgen’s term. The district was also asked whether someone else may currently be accessing the account unlawfully — a potentially serious matter if any unauthorized individual is using a district-issued email to access sensitive or internal information.
If true, such use may represent a violation of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and Washington state public records laws, particularly if confidential communications or student information were accessed by a non-authorized party.
FOIA Request Raises Further Concerns
To investigate the matter, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted seeking clarification on the status and activity of the email account since December 2023 to the present. The initial expectation was that the request would return "No Records" if the account had been properly disabled — as is standard procedure for former elected officials.
Instead, the district responded with a notice stating that "due to the complexity of records or volume" it would not be able to provide an estimate of completion or potential costs until December 18th, 2025 — more than 90 days from the date of the original request.
This unusual delay prompted further concern, particularly around the following question: If the account was in fact disabled when Garcia Virgen left office, why would there be any volume or complexity of emails to sort through now?
No clarification or statement from the district has been provided as of publication time, despite inquiries requesting action, confirmation, and transparency around this issue.
Why It Matters
In September 2024, Highline Public Schools experienced a cyberattack that was later confirmed to be a ransomware attack, leading to school closures. While initial reports suggested no evidence of data compromise, a later investigation determined that sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, financial details, and student records, was accessed through an employees portal and leaked. An investigation involving state and federal officials concluded in April 2025, and the district began notifying those affected.
The integrity of public institutions depends on proper data governance and responsible handling of official communications — especially when former officials no longer have a legal right to access district systems or data. The continued operation or use of an email tied to a past elected official, not only undermines trust, but could open the district up to legal scrutiny and liability.
The Highline Journal is continuing to pursue records and responses from the district and encourages any current or former staff with knowledge of the situation to come forward.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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