Negotiators with the Albert Lea Education Association and the Albert Lea school board will meet again with a mediator Aug. 18 to work toward an agreement on the teacher pay contract.

“I think we’re kind of used to negotiations that sometimes drag on,” said ALEA President Jim Munyer. “We certainly know that things are not very rosy right now, but we believe that something can be done that would be beneficial to both sides.”

The two sides last met with the mediator July 30, and while they were closer to an agreement, both sides said a final decision would still take time. The same mediator will return to oversee and assist during the negotiations Tuesday. Bill Villarreal, lead negotiator with the board, said he was pleased with the mediator’s insights and level of experience during the previous session.

The negotiations will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Brookside Education Center and will go as long as necessary.

“Who knows if either side is going to give anymore, but at least we need to try. I guess I’m just going to hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” Villarreal said.

Munyer anticipates the negotiations to take a long time, especially if the two sides are close to a compromise. At the same time, the negotiations could be short Tuesday if it appears the two sides are too far apart, Villarreal said.

Another session with the mediator is possible, but Munyer and Villarreal said the third session would only be held if the two sides believe they’re close to a settlement. Villarreal said the mediator could give the two sides advice about how close they are to a settlement.

Villarreal said the main unresolved issues include the 403(b) tax-sheltered annuities, the potential salary freeze and family medical leave.

“I’m not sure how long it will take, but the significant issue still is that 403(b) language and the second-year wage situation,” Munyer said.

If a settlement cannot be reached through mediation, the next step would likely be arbitration, where a third party would hear the case for both sides and then choose one. Both sides would need to agree to go to arbitration.

“We’re willing to make some compromises, and if the district is willing to do the same thing we can make some arrangement, I’m sure, to get things taken care of,” Munyer said.