Contract negotiations between the East Orange Board of Education and the East Orange Education Association have stalled, with more than 70 teachers and staff facing layoffs this month.

The two sides reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new contract last month after two years of operating under an expired contract.

That agreement proposed a contract extension through 2027. But this agreement appears to no longer be valid.

"Despite months of good-faith discussions, we were unable to reach an agreement on critical issues affecting East Orange's educators, students, the community, and the future of our educational system,” Superintendent Dr. Christopher C. Irving wrote in a statement.

News 12 has reached out to the East Orange Education Association for comment but did not year back.