Contract negations between teachers and the South Orangetown School District Board of Education have stalled, putting both sides in unfamiliar territory.

Teachers Union President Bill Hughes hopes a state mediator will help his teachers and the South Orangetown Board of Education come to terms on a contract deal next week. Hughes says it is the first time in 30 years that the teachers have not had a continuation of their contract.

Both sides would not get into specifics about the sticking points of the negotiations. The board of education president issued a statement saying, ?The impasse was declared at the conclusion of the eighth negotiation session when the parties were unable to reconcile their economic positions.?

Hughes says the teachers plan on sticking out the negotiations to get what they want. The teachers will make their voices heard by picketing in front of a board of education meeting Wednesday night.

Superintendent Dr. Jospeh Zambito says he is hopeful the impending mediation efforts will be successful.