The negotiating teams for the teachers union and state returned to the bargaining table today ahead of Thursday’s protests at Campbell High and a growing number of other Hawaii schools.

The DOE released a statement this afternoon on the contract talks resuming after federal mediation failed to bring the two sides together more than a month ago.

“We appreciate teachers for their professionalism and dedication, which has resulted in excellent progress by our students. Together with the Governor, we share the goal of achieving an agreement that provides for Hawaii’s teachers and reflects their contributions to students and the state. We are committed and hopeful that we can reach a positive resolution for the benefit of teachers, students, and the state.” — Superintendent Matayoshi and Board Chair Horner

No real clues there as to how the discussions on the state’s proposed contract for the next two school years went. But time will tell, as they say.