School District 91 is still trying to fill a teaching position nearly halfway through the school year.

Days before the start of semester, the school district learned that Nechako Valley Secondary’s Band Teacher was leaving the school to take a position in Vernon.

After months of searching for a replacement the position remains vacant.

“We have done everything within our power to try and get a new teacher” said District Chair Steve Davis. “Unfortunately, because it’s not a full time position and because of the lack of band teachers throughout the province who are willing to come up and work in our area, we haven’t been able to find somebody to fill the position.”

Since the job includes a substitute teaching role, any potential replacement must be a certified teacher.

“The board a few years ago invested in a new band room and it’s definitely one of the fine arts areas that we’re very proud of in our district” said Davis. “It’s something that, if there was a way we could do it, we would do it.”

Last school year, the Senior and Grade 7/8 concert bands won gold at the Sun Peaks Music Festival.