Mason teachers hold rally as they negotiate new contract [Video]

MASON, Ohio (WXIX) – Despite union representatives and school officials negotiating with a federal mediator since April, Mason teachers and the district are still without a contract.

The union and the district are deadlocked, despite meeting 16 times over the past few months.

Many of the district’s 600 teachers rallied in town on Monday, while residents drove by and voiced support along with parents concerned about what the situation could mean for the upcoming school year.

“We have turned over our most important assets of this community, which are our kids, into their hands,” Greg Elfers said. “It’s hard to put a price tag on that.”

Lizzie Larrick, a parent, said she’s hoping both sides come to a deal before the end of the year.

“It’s going into a lot of unknowns,” Larrick said. “We know we start school, but we don’t know what happens after that. And that’s the …