Teachers facing abuse allegations won’t be back in classrooms this fall

The teachers named in a class-action lawsuit alleging serious abuse will not be in classrooms this fall.

The teaching certificates of staff from Legacy Christian Academy (formerly known as Christian Centre Academy) who are named in the lawsuit have been revoked, meaning those individuals will not be working in schools for the 2022-23 year.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the ministry asked the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board to investigate the complaints regarding those named in the lawsuit.

The allegations are extremely troubling, the ministry said, as every student should feel safe in Saskatchewan schools. The ministry said it is working quickly to install a supervisor at Legacy Christian Academy, as well as other independent schools.

This decision came just one day after the Saskatchewan NDP called for an investigation into the allegations from the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth.

While there is no official investigation yet, child advocate Lisa Broda said in a release that she is deeply concerned about the allegations and will be monitoring the situation, as the Ministry of Education has made a request for preliminary information.

And while the request was made by NDP Leader Carla Beck, the child advocate said she’ll make her own decision as to what steps are necessary.

“While the Official Opposition Leader has publicly requested an investigation, we will be making this determination independent of that request,” Broda said in a statement.

“With the upcoming school year approaching, my immediate concern is to ensure that, in the current context, young people are safe and protected in all three independent schools impacted.”

She said the matter is under police investigation and before the courts, and she is focusing on making sure students are returning to class in a safe environment.

While the lawsuit will work through the justice system, Broda added the Ministry of Education is expected to exercise its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of kids receiving services pursuant to The Education Act and its regulations.

The ministry said anyone who has complaints should contact the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board, and Broda noted calls to her office are kept confidential.

Anyone coming forward with allegations that are criminal in nature was asked to contact police.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation noted in a statement that teachers at independent schools are not members of the union.