Still no agreement, so more contract negotiations coming up for Bend-La Pine Schools and their teachers union

(Update: Adding video, comments by school district, union)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- What was supposed to be a deadline, or at least a goal of a deal before winter break has been pushed back as negotiators are still not close to reaching a contract agreement between Bend-La Pine Schools and the teachers union, the Bend Education Association.

School District Director of Communications Scott Maben says many contract language issues were resolved during six full-day meetings before winter break. Teachers have been working under terms of a contract that expired last June 30.

"We still have work left to do here in the New Year," Maben said. "So we have scheduled two more full-day sessions. That's on January 19th and January 22nd, and we'll continue bargaining at that time. "

The big issue, as you might expect, focuses on raises.

"The district is proposing a pay increase of 5.5% in the first year of the contract, and then 4% in the second year of the contract, plus an additional workday for our teachers. And all of that together equals about a 10% increase in compensation over two years. "

The BEA says they have lowered their original salary increase request from 11% to 10% for the first year. Still, the gap between the two sides represents about an $11 million increase, according to the district.

"We need to keep in mind what would be an appropriate pay increase for all of our employee groups," Maben said. "And so as as we're continuing to negotiate with the teachers union, we need to bear in mind that we have other employee groups that also are in the mix of this discussion."

Back in November, BEA President Sarah Barclay told us, "We want to have a conversation with the district over the next couple of sessions about how we can make sure that there is not an overload of students in each classroom, that allows educators to build relationships and give personalized content and curriculum."

The BEA says they have lowered their original salary increase request from 11% to 10% for the first year. Still, the gap between the two sides represents about an $11 million increase, according to the district.

Teachers are past their 150-day strike requirement, but the union says talks are still moving forward. Sessions with a state mediator would be required before teachers could strike, which at this point doesn't appear to be under consideration.

The classified staff's union also has resolved its talks, with final financial decisions still to be made. That union includes workers such as bus drivers, secretaries and custodial staff.

So the school district and teachers union has a new goal: to reach an agreement before spring break, or at the latest, by the end of the school year.