The complainants say the Teachers Regulatory Board investigating complaints at a private Christian school News Jani

Saskatchewan Teachers’ Organizing Board is investigating historic grievances at a private Christian school in Saskatoon, according to former students.

Caitlin Erickson, a Christian Center Academy alumnus, says her case is under investigation by the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB).

Erickson says he was contacted by an investigator who provided him with a letter from the SPTRB. He shared this letter with CBC.

“It’s good to know that the investigation is continuing,” he said.

“Initially it didn’t look like they were going to investigate because we hadn’t heard anything in months, so it was nice to hear from someone,” Erickson said, adding that he had filed his A complaint.

“They have asked me for a long list of things they can provide.”

Last summer, a CBC News investigation found that 18 former students filed criminal charges alleging abuse at Legacy Christian Academy.

A proposed class action lawsuit was then filed against Legacy Christian Academy and its affiliated Mile Two Church. The lawsuit includes allegations of peddling, coercion, painful rituals and solitary confinement that students experienced during their time at the school. Dozens of other complainants came forward after the case was registered.

Another complainant, Stephanie Hutchinson, said she received an email last week from the SPTRB investigator on the case.

Hutchinson said she would call him. She said she had mixed feelings considering how long the investigation has taken.

“I think it is necessary and important that the SPTRB review the case, including a review of their own process for handling complaints of this nature,” Hutchinson told CBC in an email. How quickly are you dealing with it,” or updates from the SPTRB since filing its complaint last August.

“That said, it should be a bit much that people who are under criminal investigation shouldn’t be allowed to teach until that process is complete.”

SPTRB registrar and chief operating officer Trevor Smith said he could neither confirm nor deny an investigation into the complaints.

“We don’t do that because the process is spoiled for everyone involved,” Smith said. “We want to make sure there is a fair trial and we don’t want to create any fear of prejudice among anyone involved.”

When the SPTRB receives a complaint, it generally first determines whether it has jurisdiction and then whether an investigation is warranted, Smith said.

“You then contact an investigator, who then goes out and investigates the matter to find out the facts,” he said.

“The investigator will complete the report and that report will go back to the Professional Conduct Committee.”

If the report supports the allegations and the Committee believes there is a good chance of a conviction at a disciplinary hearing, it will consider the complaint.

If a person is found guilty, the official response can range from a reprimand to the withdrawal of a teacher’s certificate.

Investigations can take anywhere from a month to several months, depending on complexity, Smith said.

Erickson said the investigation is a step in the right direction.

“As a certified teacher, you’re subject to certain standards, and if those standards aren’t being met, it’s definitely something that needs to be investigated,” he said.

Last fall, the Saskatchewan Juvenile Attorney launched its own investigation into the school over the seriousness of the abuse allegations.

The province also updated its regulations for eligible independent schools on criminal reports and allegations.