Tuktoyaktuk (July 14/03) - Students at Mangilaluk school will get to keep their Math, Science and Shop programs now that housing has been found for their teachers.

In June, James Anderson, Beaufort Delta Divisional Board of Education director said teachers would not be hired to fill five vacant positions at the school because there was nowhere for them to live.

A new principal, Math/Science teacher, Grade 9 teacher, program support teacher and shop teacher were needed to replace existing staff who were leaving for various reasons.

But over the past month Anderson has found some housing, although teachers will have to live together.

"We were forced to look at couples to address the housing shortage," he said.

But hiring teachers based on their relationship status is not the best situation, he said.

"This isn't even a short term situation but a situation in which we have to make do.

"We would like to hire the best teachers. Those based on merit and not hire teachers based on accommodations."

So far he's hired one couple and three non-related teachers who have agreed to co-habitat.

A deputy minister task force is examining housing issues and will report to the territorial government later this year.