A marathon negotiation session between the District and the teachers’ union that continued from 4:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon until shortly after 5 a.m. on Friday did not result in a much hoped-for contract between the Princeton Regional Education Association (PREA) and the Board of Education (BOE).

As has happened in the past, the two sides’ subsequent versions of what transpired were at odds.

“The PREA Negotiations Team regrets to report that we do not have a new contract. The Board has already left the building,” said a 5:15 a.m. statement from PREA representatives.

Later in the day, PREA President Joanne Ryan elaborated. “PREA was cautiously optimistic going into Thursday’s 4:30 p.m. session,” she said, noting that this was the fourth meeting that included a mediator. “At 5 a.m. Friday morning, while waiting to hear from the BOE, our team was stunned to learn from the mediator that the session was over,” said Ms. Ryan.

“It’s hard to feel valued and respected when the BOE team felt it was appropriate to end the negotiations session and leave the building without letting us know they were calling it quits,” continued Ms. Ryan “Needless to say, it was a disappointing end to a marathon session. I hope the BOE is willing to continue the conversation with us.”

Superintendent Judy Wilson’s take on the meeting was decidedly upbeat. “The Board and PREA teams met from 4:30 on Thursday afternoon until 5 a.m. Friday morning and made great progress,” she said. “Without all issues resolved by 5 a.m. the decision was made to adjourn.”

Prior to the meeting, Ms. Wilson told PREA negotiations chair John Baxter that she remained “not just hopeful but confident that contract issues can be resolved this week.”

“The Board team hopes to regroup next week and meet again soon thereafter in order to move forward,” Ms. Wilson said in her comments after the all-night meeting. Ms. Ryan simply reported that no new meeting has been scheduled.

Describing it as “confidential” information, both sides in the negotiations declined to talk about which issues are sticking points. “No details can be released as per agreement on ground rules with the PREA,” said Ms. Wilson.

“The specifics of the issues in dispute are confidential and can’t be discussed,” said Ms. Ryan.