Look for representatives of the Pasco School Board to make a counter-proposal to the United School Employees of Pasco economic offer when the two sides return to the table Thursday for another round of contract talks. 

District negotiators have sounded dubious about the USEP's suggestion that employees get only one furlough day instead of the three or four that board officials have said would cover a $6 million hole in the budget. They'll be asking the board members for their thoughts in an closed door session Thursday morning.

Then they'll take that guidance with them as they return to negotiations at the union hall later in the day. The sides are close on most other issues. Anyone think the contract will be finished before winter break?