BUFFALO, N.Y. — Union leaders with the Buffalo Teachers Federation recently announced they've agreed on an arbitrator in its dispute over City Honors with the Buffalo Public School District. Both sides have also agreed to meet on their own next week to try and resolve the issue.

The federation says it’s against the district cutting five and a half positions, and hiring aides to perform non-teaching supervisory duties. District leaders say the cuts are needed to help balance the building's budget. Parent leaders met Wednesday urging both sides to avoid a court decision.

"So maybe we can get this solved. Among ourselves, the better it is for everybody, because then at least there's some certainty as to what's going to happen," said Phil Rumore, Buffalo Teachers Federation president.

"We are at a crossroads moment right now. We want them to collaborate in the best interest of students. And what does that mean? That means we want something fair for not just the teachers at City Honors, but teachers all throughout the district," said Sam Radford, District Parent Coordinating Council president.

"This has gone on far too long and we're excited about the meeting next week," said Nate Kuzma, Buffalo City Schools district attorney.

The meeting between the district and the union is set for Monday afternoon at City Hall.