Trial for Former Saskatoon Christian School Administrator Rescheduled to March 2027

Ken Schultz, a former administrator at Christian Centre Academy in Saskatoon, has had his trial rescheduled again due to his hospitalization. Originally set to begin on Monday, the trial was adjourned after Schultz’s lawyer, Daniel Mol, requested the postponement. Schultz, 77, is charged with assault with a weapon and sexual assault for alleged incidents involving students in the early 2000s. The Crown prosecutor, Sheryl Fillo, opposed the adjournment, noting that witnesses had been subpoenaed and the case was prepared for trial. This marks the second time Schultz’s trial has been postponed at the last minute.

The case has been marked by procedural delays and shifting legal strategies. Last year, in May 2025, Schultz was set for a jury trial but re-elected to have his trial by judge alone. He had indicated he would resolve the case through pleas rather than a trial. However, on the day the pleas were expected, his lawyer at the time requested an adjournment, citing “discussions broke down” with her client. The trial was subsequently canceled, and the next steps remain unclear.

Schultz now faces a separate set of charges, also involving alleged assaults with a wooden paddle and sexual assault, scheduled for December 2026. Two other former administrators at the school were also criminally charged for similar allegations. These cases have drawn attention to the use of corporal punishment in private Christian educational settings and the broader implications for accountability and safety in such institutions.

Former principal Duff Friesen had a trial where a jury acquitted him of three counts of assault but convicted him on one count. He received a six-month community-based sentence. Former director John Olubobokun was convicted of nine counts of assault after one trial and later pleaded guilty to five additional charges. He received an 18-month community-based sentence following the trial and a five-month community sentence after the guilty pleas. These outcomes highlight the varied legal responses to similar allegations and the need for consistent governance and oversight.

The cases underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of minors within educational and religious institutions. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served while upholding the dignity and safety of all individuals involved. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a principle that should guide the pursuit of truth and fairness in these matters.

Source: Read the original report