The Levittown United Teachers (LUT) and the board of education are on the brink of an agreement that could end a yearlong contract dispute.

LUT President Martha Martin said at the June 12 board of education meeting that the two groups had productive contract sessions on May 16 and 28. The two parties are scheduled to discuss a pact along with a mediator on June 28.

The main dispute between the two groups has been the sick leave abuse policy. School Superintendent Dr. Herman A. Sirois said at previous board meetings that an updated sick leave abuse policy was necessary to properly police staff members who misuse sick days. But LUT members claimed most teachers would never think of violating sick leave policies and the board cannot define what sick leave abuse is. Instead, alleged abuses should be handled individually, LUT members said.

After a number of negotiating sessions, both sides have compromised in order to reach an agreement. Once the sick leave abuse policy is officially agreed upon, Martin said she was told the other bargaining points of the contract - including teacher salaries - will "fall into place." The progress in contract talks means a new pact could be inked within a month, Martin said.

"I'm cautiously optimistic we will move on and have a new contract," she said. "It will give the finest teachers the respect and compensation they deserve."

"I'm cautiously optimistic," Dr. Sirois said of the contract negotiations. "I hope it holds up."

Although a contract could be signed next month, about 200 teachers and residents packed the meeting. Teachers donned pins and black shirts that read, "Support Levittown teachers." And 28 people spoke - most imploring the board to give teachers a contract they would be proud of.

"It simply is ludicrous," teacher Patty Block said of a lack of a contract. "Without us we would have a mindless society. Weren't you, our board of education, educated by teachers?"

The meeting also featured a speech by resident Susan Pou, who submitted a petition to the board signed by 452 local residents. The petition asked for the board to quickly give teachers a contract. She also expressed concern about legal bills - footed by taxpayers - that have come with long-term contract discussions. She added that she was disgusted at what she believed was arrogant behavior on the part of the board when they responded to her questions at the May 14 meeting. Pou asked for a public apology. Dr. Sirois said he apologized to Pou for being out of line at the previous meeting. And he said he responded to Pou's concern about legal bills.

"There are little or no additional fees because of the negotiations," he said. "We have to keep an attorney on retainer if there are contract discussions or not."

Also at the meeting, the board honored its 2002 valedictorians and salutatorians. Ryan Preller was named valedictorian at Division Avenue High School and William Carbone was named salutatorian. At MacArthur High School, Emily Laude was honored as valedictorian and James D'Iorio earned salutatorian acclaim.