Teachers picket in front of Duchess Park Secondary Monday

Prince George, B.C. – Parents and students alike are in limbo just days before the supposed start of the school year.

Prince George District and Parents Advisory Council president Sarah Holland admits it’s tough waiting at the 11th hour for a deal to be struck but notes it’s something parents have gotten used to over the years.

“I think as a parent of somebody in the public school system, you’re used to disputes taking place. It always seems to take until the last minute. It’s frustrating and one would hope there could be some new ways of going about it.”

She says it’s also encouraging that mediator Vince Ready is now involved, “the things I’ve heard about him are very positive,” but says the jury is still out on whether or not the dispute will be resolved by the start of classes Wednesday.

“I’m not going to put money on it but there’s a possibility.”

Meanwhile Ready, the teacher’s union, and the provincial government have arrived at a Richmond hotel for another day of bargaining.