MESA, Ariz. (AP) — A search for space aliens has been a very costly experience for the Higley Unified School District.
The district's former information technology director Brad Niesluchowski is accused of installing a computer software program that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.
District Superintendent Denise Birdwell said it will take about a year and more than $1 million in estimated costs to fix the problem.
The downloaded software uses Internet-connected computers to analyze radio telescope data in the search for space aliens.
Whenever teachers or district employees weren't using their computers, the software kicked in and used the computer's power, space and bandwidth for its space search.
Niesluchowski resigned from the district Oct. 22.
His lawyer did not return calls to comment.
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Information from: East Valley Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com
