Williston Faces Teacher Shortage Ahead of New Term

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — Williston Public School District No. 1 is looking to fill 18 open teacher spots just weeks before the start of the school year.

The Williston Herald reports 14 of the 18 open positions are for elementary school positions.

Superintendent Viola LaFountaine says she feels the Williston's bad reputation and a lack of housing has made recruiting teachers difficult. Williston's housing prices have been driven up by the oil boom and many one-bedroom apartments in Williston rent for around $2,000 a month.

LaFountaine says principals at the elementary schools are going to see if retired teachers would be interested in coming back this year. Fourteen of the district's teachers retired last year.