a) When a full-time teaching position becomes vacant within the Division, the right of first refusal shall be given to any part-time teacher who applies for that position and is already employed within the Division provided that the applicant from within the Division has equal or better training, academic qualifications and experience as compared to other applicants for the position from outside the Division. When more than one part-time teacher from the Division applies for a full-time vacant position and the teachers have the necessary training, academic qualifications and experience to fill the position, the right of first refusal shall be given to the teacher having the greater seniority in accordance with Article 9.
b) Notwithstanding clause (a), if a vacancy arises in a full-time teaching position during the school year, the Division shall have the right to fill the vacancy on a temporary basis for a term which does not exceed the balance of the school year. Thereafter, the Division shall comply with Clause (a) in filling a vacant position.