Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) held their first bargaining session with a state-appointed mediator Tuesday, but the two sides reported no agreement after the initial meeting.

In separate statements released after the session, both the district and the teachers association said the mediator directed participants not to disclose details of the discussions.

Superintendent Patrick Mapes said the district remains committed to working toward a contract settlement.

“While we were not able to reach an agreement with the Hamilton Southeastern Teachers Association at this time, we remain committed to continuing an open, respectful, and solutions-oriented conversation with all stakeholders at the table,” Mapes said. He added that another mediated session is scheduled for next week and emphasized the goal of reaching an agreement that supports educators, protects student programs, and maintains long-term financial stability.

HSEA leaders struck a similar tone, noting that expectations for progress were high going into the first day of mediation.

“While there were high hopes that we would be able to come to an agreement on day one, we have not been able to finalize anything to bring back to our bargaining unit at the present time,” the association said in a written statement. HSEA reiterated that it is following the mediator’s request for confidentiality and hopes to share “concrete details” in the coming days.

“Your bargaining team is committed to pursuing a fair contract and we thank you for your continued support,” the statement said.

Both sides have been engaged in contract negotiations under state timelines, with mediation triggered after earlier bargaining sessions did not produce an agreement. Further mediation sessions are expected as the process continues.