Housing a big issue
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Feb 16/01) - Attracting and keeping teachers is a growing problem, and James Anderson says it is just a sign of the times.
Anderson, the director of the Beaufort-Delta Education Council, said at a meeting Friday that the board has never really gotten out of the hiring mode, as several teachers have resigned since September.
"It's tied in with the collective agreement. It's tied in with the lack of housing available," he said, adding housing is a key issue.
"We're powerless to do anything about it," Anderson said, citing government rules.
Regarding teacher recruitment, Anderson said BDEC had approached the government about following the lead of the Yellowknife Catholic School Board.
That board has entered into a deal outside the collective agreement, allowing them to pay $500 to teachers who give early notice of their resignations.
Anderson said the council wanted a similar arrangement, but the government has turned down the proposal.
