The Education Department is gathering evidence in an alleged sexual misconduct case at Clearwater Middle School.

The case came to light last week when a male substitute teacher was dismissed after students accused him of making sexual advances and innuendoes toward them.

Human resource manager at the department, Raymond Latter, this week said education officials wanted to hear from both sides before any decision was made.

But he confirmed that he had interviewed the health and physical education teacher when he began as a substitute this year. And Mr. Latter said the man appeared to be nothing like person described by his accusers.

"I interviewed him myself,'' Mr. Latter said. "His credentials appeared to be fine. He's not a certified teacher, but his C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) was reasonable.'' But Women's Resource Centre chairman Penny Dill, while careful not to indict the teacher, said fear of the alleged situation was what prompted the support group to call for legislation to notify schools when a convicted sex offender is released and to carefully screen school employees.

"We are working to get a better system in place,'' she said, noting that sexual harassment was not a criminal offence in Bermuda.

"One of my concerns is that these children who may have experienced that should have access to professional counselling,'' Ms Dill added. "They don't always feel comfortable with the school counsellors.'' Professional counselling for the students could be arranged through the Centre with parental consent, she said.

Mr. Latter, however, noted that substitute teachers were appraised by principals.

"We do have an appraisal for substitute teachers by principals,'' he said.

"They are screened and interviewed to make sure they are reasonable people who are going to be responsible.''