McLoud Schools Revise Internet Policies During Child Porn Investigation

A school district at the center of a child porn investigation says it is now taking steps to increase Internet safety for children.

Click here to read the complete internet safety policy from the school district.

McLoud Elementary School teacher Kimberly Crain was arrested in early December 2011 on charges of manufacturing and possessing child porn and sharing those images with former Oklahoma Baptist University professor Gary Doby.

12/16/2012 Related Story: Suspects Accused Of Child Pornography Met At OBU In Shawnee

At the same time, criminal proceedings continue against Doby and Crain, civil lawsuits are also in the works. On Monday, the attorney of the girls' families says he is also focusing on the school district and its Internet policies.

"We are not looking past the possibility that the school has some liability," attorney Joe Vorndran said. "We are still actively working with McLoud Public Schools to try to identify these issues."

One of the problems according to Vorndran is the relaxed Internet policy at McLoud Schools. Prosecutors say that policy or lack thereof allowed Kim Crain to go undetected with child porn on school computers. The state also says she was able to share those pictures with Gary Doby, who was arraigned Potawatomie County courthouse Monday.

12/5/2011 Related Story: Parents Seek Answers After McLoud Teacher Arrested For Child Porn

Since the investigation began, school officials say they had been looking at ways to better protect children online.

"It's always a concern for everybody," McLoud area resident Sandra Lewis said. "I hope they do get it changed."

Change has come according to the school district.

"We decided to put some additional measures in place and basically enhance what we already had," Lisa Liebl, McLoud Public Schools spokesperson, said.

Liebl says stronger Internet and email filters have been installed along with software designed to detect emails with questionable material. Also, each classroom door now has a window, so administrators can keep an eye on teachers and students.

"I think it's a step in the right direction because you can't have people like that around your children," McLoud parent Teddy Willis said.

Teachers are now also required to sign a code of conduct for Internet safety. The families' attorney says a lawsuit against McLoud Public Schools is not out of the question.

Click here to read more about the McLoud child porn case.