Like several surrounding school districts, the White River School District and its teachers have not inked a contract for the coming school year. But unlike many of those district, White River teachers will be in classrooms when the first bell rings Sept. 1. The current one-year contract expires Aug. 31.

“The climate of negotiations is positive,” White River Human Resources Director Keith Banks said. “We don’t believe we’re in a situation that would cause a non-work outcome.”

“We’re just starting without a contract, but we’re really close,” White River Education Association President Dameon Marlow said. “There are just a couple loose ends to tie up.”

Banks said the sides are close to an agreement and summer and schedules have made getting the two sides together difficult.

The Enumclaw School District and Enumclaw Education Association has two years remaining on a three-year agreement.