Calgary School Board's $16-Million Abuse Settlement Receives Final Judicial Approval
The Calgary Board of Education's substantial $16-million settlement with 55 students who allege abuse by two former teachers has been granted final approval by the court. This landmark decision brings closure to a protracted legal battle that has spanned five years, though for many victims, the ordeal has lasted a lifetime.
Court Proceedings and Settlement Details
Calgary Court of King's Bench Justice Michele Hollins formally accepted submissions from legal representatives of both the school board and the class of plaintiffs on Thursday, finalizing the multimillion-dollar agreement. The settlement class included alleged victims who had until 2 p.m. on Thursday to submit claims for compensation or opt out of the agreement entirely.
Individuals who believed they were victimized by former teachers Michael Gregory or Fred Henry Archer were required to meet this deadline to participate in the settlement. The original class-action lawsuit alleged that both educators, who taught at John Ware School, were involved in abusing students between 1988 and 2004.
Structure of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The lawsuit featured three named plaintiffs, each representing distinct subclasses of victims:
- Alleged sexual and physical assault victims of Fred Henry Archer
- Alleged physical assault victims of Michael Gregory
- Alleged sexual assault victims of Gregory, who died by suicide days after criminal charges were filed against him
Archer, now 80 years old, still faces trial on allegations of abusing two boys. His lawyer, Timothy Dunlap, has stated that his client denies all accusations.
School Board's Response and Ongoing Proceedings
In November, the Calgary Board of Education issued a public apology for the hardship experienced by victims and the lasting impact of the harm. A board news release commended "the strength and courage of the class members who came forward to share their experiences and to participate in the court process."
Justice Hollins must still hear from class lawyer David Corrigan and CBE counsel Cory Ryan regarding the specific compensation amounts each claimant will receive, based on the severity of their individual abuse experiences. This matter is scheduled to return to court on April 29 for further deliberation.
Personal Impact and Legal Journey
Outside the courtroom, Corrigan reflected on the settlement's significance, noting that while it concludes a five-year legal process for legal counsel, it represents a lifetime struggle for many clients. "For some people who experienced this, in some cases, it's been almost 40 years," Corrigan stated, emphasizing the enduring trauma faced by survivors.
This settlement represents one of the largest of its kind in Canadian educational history, highlighting both the severity of the allegations and the institutional responsibility acknowledged by the school board. The resolution marks a critical step toward justice for victims while underscoring the importance of accountability in educational environments.
