The teachers' union has put a new offer on the table and, according to school board members, it's being received with "cautious optimism." The new offer has been called a possible solution to the contract stalemate that has lasted five years and seen three teachers' strikes.

Somerset business owner Mitzi Foy said she's optimistic both sides can come to a deal and put their differences behind them. "I'm very excited because I have a niece who's a senior and a daughter that's in second grade," said Foy. "It seems that every time they would go out on strike my daughter would not like to go to school more and more."

Meanwhile, it is quiet at Somerset's junior and senior high campuses because of a snow day. But after seeing the new offer from the teachers' union, school board president John Coleman said "What we've seen here has potential. Our negotiations team will look at the proposal Wednesday morning, and I can express cautious optimism at this point."

Neither side is offering any details on the proposal, only saying it is a multi-year deal. That's good news for Somerset's students and parents who are hoping this brings an end to one of the longest teacher contract disputes in state history. "We just hope that they don't have to go through that anymore," said Foy.

Both sides will have to ratify the new offer for it to become official. The board could do that Wednesday, and the teachers are set to vote on it Friday.