Students hack computer system, attempt to change grades

ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) -- Officials say several high school students in northern New Jersey hacked into their schools' computer systems to try and change their grades.

Parents were notified Wednesday about the data breach in the Elizabeth school district. Schools Spokesman Pat Politano says one student gained access to the system by stealing a teacher's password.

He says other students accessed attendance records and tried unsuccessfully to change grades. Officials say the breaches happened at various schools in the district. District Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer says the consequences for those involved are "likely to be severe."

The district says police have notified. Hugelmeyer declined further comment, citing student privacy laws.