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Phenix City Schools Taking Steps To Protect Teachers

The arrests in Russell County have prompted school officials in Phenix City to reinforce certain policies, concerning teachers and students.

Every year Phenix City school employees are taught the rules and procedures of how to deal with certain situations involving students and any type of abuse.

"I think it's in our memory. We know exactly what to do," said Phenix City teacher Kay Lynn Duncan.

This year especially, the information has been hammered into their minds.

"If a child comes up to us and says someone did something to me, we would immediately contact DHR, and not ask questions or investigate," Duncan said.

Earlier this year, three teachers from Russell County Middle School were convicted of failing to report allegations of sexual abuse to the police.

School officials in Phenix City wanted to protect their employees, so they held a training session with an attorney to go over those rules and policies.

"We were extra sensitive this year to make sure we really emphasized it. In the past we might of sent a reminder at a faculty meeting, we went beyond that this year," said superintendent Dr. Larry DiChiara.

The rules don't only apply to teachers, but to any adult in charge of after-school groups and teams. Dr. DiChiara says he meets with the coaches and sponsors to talk about how to avoid inappropriate situations with the students.

"As coaches and sponsors of these groups, we want them to act a certain way, expect them to act a certain way. We just let them know what our expectations are," DiChiara said.

Not only did school employees go through a training, but to reinforce the rules, Phenix City school officials sent memos to all the principals to hand out to the teachers as well.