Calgary Board of Education Reaches $15.77 Million Settlement in Historic Abuse Case
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) has reached a landmark settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning abuse that occurred at John Ware Junior High School over a sixteen-year period. The educational body and its insurers will pay $15.77 million to the victims, with the settlement awaiting final court approval.
Details of the Lawsuit and the Accused
The certified class-action suit, which was formally approved in January, named former teacher Fred Henry Archer of High River and the estate of Michael Gregory, another teacher at the school, as defendants alongside the CBE itself. The legal action alleged that the plaintiffs suffered sexual, physical, and psychological abuse at John Ware School between 1988 and 2004.
The case involved three primary plaintiffs, each representing a distinct group of victims. These subclasses included individuals who were allegedly sexually and physically assaulted by Archer, those who were allegedly physically assaulted by Gregory, and those who were allegedly sexually assaulted by Gregory.
Official Apology and Commitment to Change
In an official release, the CBE issued a public apology to the victims, acknowledging the harm they experienced and the lasting impact it has had on their lives. The board commended the strength and courage of the class members who came forward to share their traumatic experiences and participate in the difficult court process.
As part of the settlement agreement, the victims will have the opportunity to collaborate with the CBE on reviewing and improving existing policies and training. The board reiterated its commitment to maintaining safe, caring, and supportive learning environments for all students, emphasizing that such practices are foundational to its mission.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This settlement marks a significant moment for accountability within the public education system in Calgary. The substantial financial compensation, while unable to erase the past trauma, is intended to provide some measure of justice and support for the survivors. The case underscores the critical importance of robust safeguarding protocols and the dire consequences when they fail.
With the settlement now announced, the community awaits the court's final approval, which will formally conclude this painful chapter for the victims and the school board, while setting a precedent for how such institutional failures are addressed in the future.
