While concerns about the wildfire situation continues to loom, the start of the school year for the rural school district to the west of Kamloops is launching on a positive note.

Gold Trail School District Superintendent Teresa Downs says after being short-staffed by roughly 20 per cent last year, a community-led initiative launched earlier this year has done its job.

“We are fully staffed with teachers for this school year, which I think has created such a positive start for staff who really endured a difficult school year last year.”

That teacher shortage saw a community group step up and offer a signing bonus for teachers throughout the district.

“All new employees, teachers, coming to this district had been afforded an award of $10,000 and $15,000 for those who are coming to the community of Lytton.”

SD74 is also providing commuter vehicles for teachers who have to enter into smaller communities in the district, which runs from the Fraser Canyon to the Southern Cariboo.

At the same time, Downs says the start of the school year for some kids could be delayed.

“With the Village of Lytton on evacuation alert, right now that puts Kumsheen ShchEma-meet school opening uncertain, and then Gold Bridge community school is currently under evacuation order.”

Downs says those students affected by the wildfires will be given alternative options, including online learning — provided the internet in their area isn’t down due to the fires.

– With files from Paul James