Gov. Linda Lingle said today that she is reviewing a proposed new contract between the state and the Hawaii State Teachers Association and hopes to reach a decision soon.

The HSTA announced earlier today that it has reached a tentative agreement with the state Department of Education and the state Board of Education on a new contract and is awaiting Lingle to sign off on the deal.

“I appreciate the department and Board of Education taking the lead in these negotiations, in coordination with my negotiation team, to work toward reaching an agreement with the HSTA that is in the best interest of teachers, our students and the general public, and that recognizes our growing budget shortfall," Lingle said in a statement.

“My negotiation team, including the budget director and the attorney general, are currently reviewing the proposed contract and I hope to reach a decision soon.

“I appreciate the public’s patience as we continue dealing with a widening budget deficit while trying to make certain we maintain the highest quality education possible under the circumstances.”

Earlier, Wil Okabe, the HSTA's president, said the union, educators and the state have made "significant strides" toward a new contract.

"HSTA, the Department of Education (DOE) and Board of Education (BOE) have made significant strides in negotiating a contract for public school teachers," Okabe said in a statement.

"HSTA shared a preliminary settlement with its board on Sunday; however, the contract is pending as HSTA, the DOE and BOE await the governor's approval. We will share details of the tentative settlement as soon as there are further substantive developments."

The union represents more than 13,000 teachers.

The state is also in contract negotiations with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the United Public Workers and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.

The state and the HGEA and UPW are in binding arbitration.