Ending the contract dispute between teachers and the Jim Thorpe Area School Board is like undertaking a cease-fire: Both sides are reluctant to be the first to lay down their weapons.

The teachers have been working without a contract since July 1, 2013. The last contract was a five-year pact extending from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2013.According to comments made during a meeting of the Jim Thorpe Area School Board on Tuesday by both the teachers' union and the board, a new contract is virtually a done deal. It just needs approval by the two parties.Board member Robert Schaninger said to the teachers in attendance, "We're waiting for your vote count."Dave Marino, president of the Jim Thorpe Education Association, responded, "We deserve a level playing field."He said the teachers voted on a new agreement last Tuesday but the votes remain uncounted until the board votes."We want the board to vote," he said.Schaninger responded, "We won't vote."Marino said, "This tentative agreement was written 100 percent by the board.""Didn't you make a counterproposal?" asked board member Gerald F. Strubinger.Marino answered, "Nope."Board President Dennis J. McGinley said he will vote "in favor of what the board recommends." He said he doesn't understand why the votes were not counted by the teachers."We're caught in between," Schaninger said.He said, "You guys have to realize, I like teachers." He said although one board member had suggested it, he is against eliminating the music and arts program."You guys have to help us out," Schaninger said.About 15-20 teachers were in attendance.The board's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 9 in the administration office.