Nearly three weeks into the new school year, Sharpsville teachers are still working without a contract despite negotiating with the school board for nine months. The previous five-year contract expired June 30.

Representatives from the board and Sharpsville Area Education Association, which represents the teachers, wouldn't say Monday how close the sides are to reaching an agreement.

"The board and the association have decided to not make any public statements at this point in bargaining," said Mike Kalpich, association president. "We've met a number of times and we continue to meet with them."

Kalpich said talks began in January and the sides have met "well over two dozen times."

"It's ongoing, we're meeting and discussing things as we go," said David DeForest, the board's vice president and lead negotiator. "There's really nothing more other than that. But I would say the discussions have been very positive."