NEW ULM — The District 88 School Board unanimously approved a three-year contract with Superintendent Jeff Bertrang Thursday.

Action came on a motion by Melissa Sunderman, second by Christie Dewanz, for the contract through June 30, 2025. It 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 HRA (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.”

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

The board also:

• Approved the 170-day, 2022-2023 school year calendar, on a motion by Dewanz, seconded by Denny Waloch. Washington Learning Center has 168 days.

The first day of school for grades 5-9 is Aug. 29, Aug. 30 for all others except kindergarten which is Aug. 31. Thanksgiving break is Nov. 24-25, winter break Dec. 23- Jan. 2, prom April 29 and graduation May 19.

Public comments were heard from Dan Bauer and Sarah Leslie.

“I’ve observed lack of discussion at meetings. Is this all scripted, set in stone?” Bauer said.

“I think it’s great you’re looking into mental health issues,” Bauer added. “I think theres more of that than what we see.”

Leslie, who said she was the mother of two Jefferson school students, praised teachers, administrators and bus drivers for their hard work and thanked the school board for creating a forward vision for the school district.

“It’s also important to know that our students are learning to be good citizens with a positive behavior support system besides being good at math and science,” said Leslie.

A board study session will be held at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 3 in the middle school district conference room. The next regular board meeting begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 24 in the district board room.