Saucon Valley School District and its teachers' union remain at a stalemate over a possible contract.

At the Oct. 14 school board meeting, board member Ralph Puerta delivered the sobering news.

"We are at an impasse," he said.

The Saucon Valley Education Association teachers' union earlier in the month rejected the district's contract proposal, which is based on an independent fact-finder's report that calls for higher salaries in the last two years for entry-level teachers and smaller raises for experienced teachers at the high end of the salary bracket.

The starting salary for an incoming teacher is roughly $41,132 and $93,072 for experienced teachers.

The district's proposed starting salary would be $48,939 near the end of the six-year contract in 2017-18 and $95,912 for high earning teachers.

Board member Ed Inghrim noted teachers receive three types of pay raises compared to non-union district employees who receive one 3 percent pay raise to offset offset health insurance costs.

"I am tired of negotiating," Inghrim said.

Board solicitor Mark Fitzgerald said the board has exhausted all available options. According to Fitzgerald, laws exist that prevent certain types of bargaining. He also said an unfair labor claim has been filed against the teachers' union.

Superintendent Monica McHale-Small said she is concerned how the impasse will affect students' perceptions in the district.

"We must remember that we are here to educate our children and the behavior we demonstrate can teach powerful lessons, both positive and negative," she said.

Puerta apologized to those in attendance if the board's handling of the contract stalemate appeared disrespectful.

Teachers have been working without a current contract since July 2012.