NEW ULM — The District 88 School Board will consider a three-year contract with Supt. Jeff Bertrang at its Feb. 24 meeting.

The contract effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025, includes a 3.2% average salary increase over three years and a $500 increase in a 403(b) retirement savings plan matching contributions each year.

Bertrang’s salary would be $158,000 the first year of the new contract, $163,000 the second year and $168,000 the third year. The district would contribute $10,000 for the first year of a health insurance retirement health savings account.

In his board report, Bertrang wrote he continues to meet with principals to review all programs and make recommendations for next year.

“Along with this work is the need to evaluate how we meet student and staff needs relative to mental health,” Bertrang wrote. “Our ESSER III plans will include community school elements (physical health, mental health, community engagement, etc.) We can use our ESSER III budget to help with programming.

and staffing. I will have recommendations later this spring.”

In addition, he reported working with area schools on CTE Center classes next year.

“We continue to put plans together to increase capacity in the number of classes, sections and how to incorporate area schools into the schedule,” Bertrang wrote. “I will continue to keep you informed on plans as we get into spring.”

Board member Melissa Sunderman reported River Bend Area Learning Center hopes to hire two school psychologists. In addition, the school is interested in expanding programming if it can find staff a a site to lease.

The board will allow 30 minutes of public comment on topics not covered as part of agenda action items. Each speaker will be provided two minutes to present their topic/concern for the board to hear.

If there are multiple speakers on the same topic, the board chair will limit speakers and move on to the next topic.

During public comment, board members will not respond, but take notes and listen to the concerns or recommendations.

The school board meeting starts at 6 p.m. in Jefferson Elementary School.