Four years after the death of former Calgary teacher Micheal Gregory, who was charged with 17 counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation, the Calgary Board of Education has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit related to two former Calgary Board of Education (CBE) employees at John Ware School between 1988 and 2004.
In a joint CBE-HMC Lawyers statement, the CBE apologize for the harm experienced by the class members and the impact of that harm on them.
“The CBE commends the strength and courage of the class members who came forward to share their experiences and to participate in the court process,” the statement reads.
“Many of the class members intend to pursue further advocacy to prevent others from experiencing similar harm.”
Under the settlement agreement, which is still subject to court approval, the CBE and its insurers will pay $15,770,000.00 all-inclusive to the class members, according to the statement.
The settlement includes an opportunity for class representatives to collaborate with the CBE regarding existing policies and training.
“Class representatives appreciate the CBE’s openness to meaningful consultation,” the statement reads
“The CBE remains committed to practices and policies that enable students to learn in safe, caring and supportive environments. We look forward to the successful conclusion of the court action.”
At the time of Gregory’s death, former students alleged that school board administrators and staff were aware of his abuse but did nothing, according to Global News, including a vice principal who dismissed her accusations as the product of an active imagination.
Aside from Gregory, some students at John Ware were sexually abused by another teacher, Fred Archer, according to HMC Lawyers.
Archer was previously convicted of sexually assaulting young boys at Springbank Middle School.
