Sask. education minister appoints administrator for 3 private schools following abuse claims

The appointment of an administrator follows allegations being filed by multiple students of physical and sexual abuse suffered while they attended the Legacy Christian Academy.

Saskatchewan’s education minister says cabinet has approved a number of regulation changes for independent schools, including appointing an administrator for a private Saskatoon school facing abuse claims, as well as two other schools.

This comes after multiple students have come forward with allegations of physical and sexual abuse while they attended the Legacy Christian Academy.

A class action lawsuit for $25 million has been launched against Mile Two Church Inc. that operates LCA and police have also confirmed they are investigating.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Minister Dustin Duncan said the allegations are “troubling” and announced Thursday morning that qualified independent schools, including LCA, will also see an increase in unannounced, supervised inspections – up to 10 per school year from three previously.

Duncan said over the last number of weeks, the government has identified some gaps in independent school regulations.

The government has faced scrutiny from former students and the Official Opposition for their handling of the situation.

Duncan said independent schools will also now have to notify the minister within 24 hours once they are aware that the school or someone working at the school is subject to a criminal investigation.