NEW ULM — The District 88 Board of Education tonight will consider a revised school calendar based on snow days, a board schedule and school policies up for review.

The school district experienced eight closures due to inclement weather as of Feb. 28, taking the district below the state minimum of 165 school days.

The state statute requires schools in Minnesota to have a minimum of 165 school days during a calendar year. Last spring, the board approved a calendar year of 170 school days for the 2018-2019 year, as closures due to the weather were expected.

Superintendent Jeff Bertrang recommended adding back three student contact days and three additional staff days to the calendar at a Feb. 20 study session. This recommendation may change due to Monday’s school closure.

The board also proposed additional make-up days should the district experience more closures.

The board is expected to adopt its meeting schedule, holding study sessions the second Thursday of every month and regular board meetings the fourth Thursday every month. Adjustments are expected to be made in November and December due to holidays.

The board will also approve a revised Brown County Public Health contract during the meeting.

Each year the board is provided a revised contract to provide health services for non-public schools such as Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School and early childhood programs. The revisions are based on enrollment in these non-public schools submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education.

The board will also review school and statewide education policies with no recommended changes or action expected.

The policies being reviewed are as follows: board member compensation, corporal punishment, extended school year for certain students with individual education plans, protection and privacy of pupil records, school district system accountability, teaching about controversial issues, fun balance and rewards.

The board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the district boardroom in the middle school.

Gage Cureton can be emailed at gcureton@nujournal.com.