When Hillsborough students arrive at school every morning they may notice some changes regarding the actions of their teachers. The teachers are currently in the midst of contract negotiations with the Board of Education, as both parties are currently amid conflict.

Every five years, the Board of Education and the teachers renegotiate contracts. This year, however, the teacher’s demands are not being met by the proposed contracts.

“The faculty and staff are seeking fair and equitable salary and benefits that reflect the work that we do helping make HHS one of the best high schools in the country,” history teacher and a building representative for the teacher’s union Robert Fenster said.

Teachers are only paid to work between the hours of 7:20 and 2:45, so they are not compensated for any work done outside of those hours. This includes offering extra help, responding to emails outside of school hours, volunteering as club advisers, writing letters of recommendations, and a variety of other tasks.

“I am really hopeful that a contract can be reached soon,” junior Travis Finetto said. “School is more inconvenient without teachers responding to emails outside of school hours.”

Currently, teachers are only performing tasks required within their contractual obligations, with an attempt to demonstrate all the work they do outside of the hours of 7:20 to 2:45.

District Superintendent Dr. Jorden Schiff was unable to comment on the specifics of the negotiations, as they are confidential.

“I am confident that an agreement will be reached, hopefully in the near future,” Schiff said.

While the specifics regarding negotiations are not able to be shared, it is fair to say that all students, teachers, and members of the Board of Education are hopeful that a deal can be reached soon.