Saskatchewan's minister of education has said it will appoint administrators for three private schools in the state.
actions follow allegations of abuse by students at a private Christian school in Saskatoon.
Former students of Christian Center Academy (now called Legacy Christian Academy) launched a class action lawsuit earlier this week, alleging years of physical and emotional harassment by staff and leaders at the school and adjacent church. Alleged sexual abuse.
On Thursday morning Minister Dustin Duncan spoke at his CBC The Morning Edition. This is his first public interview on the topic since CBC Saskatchewan reported the story. He told host Stephanie Langenegger that the cabinet had approved giving him powers over private schools.
He also served as private administrator of his three schools at the Academy, Legacy Christian Academy, Grace Christian School of Saskatoon, and Prince Regent of Albert. said to appoint All were notified Thursday morning, he added.
"The [previous] rules did not allow me to intervene and appoint, for example, a manager or a trustee," said Duncan.
"These three schools will receive 10 unscheduled visits by... ministries, in addition to administrators."
Morning Paper - SaskSask. Education minister appointed special administrator to run three private schools
According to Duncan, administrators will be appointed for these three schools. Because these schools now employ the person named in a recent lawsuit by a former student.
Three schools are subject to one unscheduled visit per month, and the state plans to increase the number of unscheduled supervised visits to all independent schools in the next school year. is.
"Historically, private schools have notified the minister when they become aware that they have received criminal allegations or that criminal investigations have been launched against the school or individuals working for the school. There was no need," said Duncan.
“The regulations introduced in 2012 have increased regulatory scrutiny that did not exist before 2012. It is now in effect."
As of Thursday, a news release said that all eligible private schools in the state had announced that they would be facing allegations of criminal conduct or face criminal charges. must notify the Department of Education within 24 hours if it affects an employee.
Duncan also has the ability to put schools on probation.
