NEW ULM — The New Ulm School Board will hold its monthly meeting Thursday in the District Board room and will take comments from the public comments on non-action items.

Last month, the School Board meeting was filled with several members of the public wanting to speak on the school’s masking policy and voice opposition to Critical Race Theory (CRT). As neither of these issues was part of the board’s agenda no comments were taken at the meeting, to the frustration of many in attendance.

Thursday’s board meeting will allow public comments on topics not covered as part of actions items in the agenda but is limiting public comments to 30 minutes. Each speaker will have only two minutes to present their topic/concern for the board. If there are multiple speakers on the same topic, the chair will limit speakers.

During the public hearing, board members will not respond or take action on any comments but will listen to concerns or recommendations.

The board meeting will include a review of community education grants from United Way and the Wellness Collective.

Superintendent Jeff Bertrang will report on the upcoming district’s special election, scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2. The report will also include COVID-related updates.