by KYW's Mike DeNardo

As the new school year approaches for Philadelphia public school students, contract negotiations continue between the teachers union and the school district.

The current four-year contract between the school district and the 16,000 member Philadelphia Federation of Teachers runs out at midnight on Sunday night. 

Teachers have a Labor Day membership meeting, where union president Jerry Jordan will update the rank and file. 

Jordan is keeping tabs on talks, from the Democratic National Convention:
   
"We still have a number of issues that are unresolved. But this is not anything that is new.  We're accustomed to that process. It's a long, difficult process. But both sides are talking."
      
No comment from the district, and Jordan would not comment on reports that the district wanted teachers to work a longer day.  

Teachers are scheduled to report to work next Tuesday. The first day for students is Thursday, September fourth. 

Philadelphia teachers strikes are illegal, under the state takeover.