Contract negotiations between the Lawrence school district and the Lawrence Education Association are back on track.

The two sides say they hope to resolve their contract dispute in a session set for 5 p.m. Monday at district headquarters, 110 McDonald Drive.

“There is interest from both groups in having another conversation,” said Superintendent Randy Weseman.

Talks had stalled in June, and a mediator from the U.S. Labor Department is set to meet with the two sides next Wednesday. If the two sides reach agreement, the mediator won’t be needed.

LEA President Adela Solis said she was pleased the district extended an offer to meet.

“I always prefer to continue talks between the parties before getting a third party involved,” she said.

During the last public session, teachers were asking for $1.85 million to be added to the salary schedule, while board negotiators had offered $825,728 more for salaries.

The district also included an additional offer of almost $647,000 to start a new retirement system and $324,000 to give more planning time to elementary teachers.

Elementary school planning time is a sticking point for teachers, who want more of it, but do not think it should be part of a compensation package.

The board also proposed adding one day to the work year. Under that plan, returning teachers would work 187 days and new teachers would work 191 days.

Solis said it was important to continue a dialogue.

“My bottom line is : we’re looking to get an agreement, and we’re willing to meet and we’re willing to talk and to do what we need to do,” she said, adding LEA will remain firm in its demands.