Rome Teacher And Assistant Arrested For Excessive Discipline

A teacher and teacher's assistant in the Rome City School District have been arrested following a report of "excessive discipline" at John Joy Elementary School.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office says 30-year old Ashley Rasbach of Rome is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment.

47-year old Maria Fountain of Rome was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment.

The Sheriff's Office has not released any of the details of surrounding the alleged incident.

Rome School District Superintendent Peter Blake has issued a statement regarding the arrests.

Blake says the district has and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and any other agencies that may become involved in the case.

He says the district intends to take all steps necessary to respect the rights of Rasbach and Fountain, while taking all prudent steps to ensure the welfare and safety of students.

Blake also says he can not comment further on the case because it's a confidential personnel matter.

Both women have been placed on leave.