Elementary and secondary schools increasingly face an onslaught of ransomware and other cyberattacks, which jeopardize sensitive data and the integrity of their digital infrastructure. The consequences of these attacks can be severe and costly, eroding community trust, disrupting learning, and permanently damaging equipment. The alarming scope and sometimes staggering costs of K-12 cyberattacks have captured the attention of law enforcement agencies, prompting government agencies and nongovernmental entities to document the problem more systematically. As the threat continues to evolve, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the MultiState Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) collaborated on a joint Cybersecurity Advisory in 2022. The advisory detailed the nature of the threat to K-12 schools, stating, "Impacts from these attacks have ranged from restricted access to networks and data, delayed exams, canceled school days, and unauthorized access to and theft of personal information regarding students and staff." This article examines why the cybersecurity challenge schools face is complex and evolving, requiring a concerted effort from local, state, and federal stakeholders. Also why state boards have a vital role to play in raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and implementing policies that prioritize the security of student data and school networks.