The Sharon school board and its 184 member teachers union are continuing to negotiate a new labor pact. The teachers' previous contract, which was signed in January 2000 and was retroactive to July 1, 1999, expired June 30. Negotiations are continuing amiably, school director and chief board negotiator Joyce Grimenstein said Wednesday.

Four financial items still need to be settled, and contract language needs to be reworked for another clause, she said. Negotiations won't resume before August, Ms. Grimenstein said.

Brenda Pickup, chief union negotiator, said two more meetings are scheduled and everyone is working hard.