Brandywine teachers and the school board are close to reaching an agreement on a new contract, according to leaders on both sides of the negotiating table.

Supt. John Jarpe said the school board was favorable of the terms discussed in the latest proposal, which was reviewed during a closed session at Monday’s regular school board meeting.

“At this point it looks as though we are making lots of progress and are much closer to getting this settled — at least from the perspective of the board,” said Jarpe.

The president of the Brandywine District Education Association said she too is pleased with the proposal on the table.

“Overall this is the best contract we’ve seen in a long time,” said Deb Carew.

Jarpe and Carew both declined to give details about the proposed contract because negotiations are still ongoing.

The next step is for both sides to sign a tentative agreement, which could take place anytime.

Then, members of the teachers’ union will vote on whether or not to approve the proposed contract.

Finally, the school board would vote on whether or not to ratify the contract, which could happen as soon as the board’s next meeting Oct. 26.

Brandywine’s 77 teachers have been working without a contract since the last one expired in June.