Saskatchewan government increases oversight at independent schools

The Government of Saskatchewan says it is stepping up oversight over independent schools in the province.

According to the Ministry of Education, changes are coming in the fall of 2023 that will implement “mandatory administrative policies” at independent schools, which are similar to the requirements set out for school divisions.

Among the changes, the ministry said, are requirements for independent schools to comply with an attendance policy, extracurricular policy and a policy around the handling of grievances and complaints from parents.

In addition, the ministry added that new financial reporting requirements will be imposed on independent schools, and all registered independent schools will be required to have a defined separation of duties for board members, directors and principals.

Another change will require qualified independent schools and certified independent schools to register as non-profit organizations separately from any parent organizations starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Independent schools have been a topic of controversy in the province since a number of former students at an independent Saskatoon school came forward with serious allegations of abuse by former staff members.

The former athletic director of the school is currently facing charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor, and a number of former students have joined together in a class-action lawsuit, seeking more than $25 million in damages.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that students in all of Saskatchewan’s schools feel safe, protected and respected,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in a statement.

“While we believe registered independent schools have a place in our education sector by giving parents the choice to educate their children in accordance with their conscientious beliefs, these additional regulations will ensure that the necessary government oversight is in place.”

The provincial government has already taken a number of steps to help ensure safety at independent schools, the ministry noted, including the appointment of administrative overseers, increasing supervisory visits, requiring independent schools to notify the ministry within 24 hours of any allegations of criminal activity or charges involving a staff member, and gaining the ability to put schools on probation.

The province is also fully co-operating with an investigation into oversight at independent schools by the Advocate for Children and Youth, the ministry said.

All qualified and certified independent schools will be required to adopt the new policies over the coming calendar year, the ministry said, and they must be in full effect by the start of the new school year in the fall.