LITTLE COMPTON — Mediation talks to resolve the soon-to-expire teachers contract were slated to continue last night, with teachers expected to return to school this morning for an orientation program.

The contract with the 36-member teachers union, which is represented by the National Education Association, lasts through Sunday, ending two days before students return for classes on Tuesday.

“I’m hopeful the issue will be resolved tonight,” Schools Supt. Harold Devine said before the mediation session. “If it’s not resolved tonight, I’m hopeful it will be resolved before school is scheduled to begin.”

Last night’s meeting was to be the third session held since the union asked the state for mediation. The state appointed lawyer John J. Harrington to help guide the two sides to a resolution. Unlike arbitration, he doesn’t have the authority to make an award.

A first meeting was held earlier this month at two separate locations. Harrington met with school officials on a visit to Little Compton and met with union representatives out of town.

“It was a getting-to-know-you [meeting],” Devine said.

The second meeting was held at the Cranston headquarters of the NEA. The third session was held last week and lasted just over 10 hours, Devine said. Last night’s session was slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. to allow School Committee members the best chance of attending, Devine said.

“If we have the majority of the committee members here, we can more confidently make proposals,” said Devine.

The state pays mediators $1,200 a day, with a cap of $5,000. After that, the participants must split the costs of the mediator, Devine said.

rsalit@projo.com