Mars Area School District teachers face a contract deadline today as negotiations continue.
After 20 bargaining sessions over the past year, Mars Area School District and its teachers' union remain divided on pay, health insurance and the length of a new contract.
The school board is proposing 3.5 percent annual raises over three years, while the union is seeking larger raises over five years, arguing teacher salaries lag behind neighboring districts.
Both sides are expected to return to the bargaining table on July 7 as they continue working toward a new agreement before students return this fall.
