(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education voted to adopt the District Goals for 2023-24 when they met Monday evening.

The 2023 strategic plan for District 56 are designed to help support the school district I moving to the next level of effectiveness.

The goals include hiring and retention initiatives addressing educator shortages; Broadening vocational trade partners with Southeast Community College and local businesses; Evaluating and adopting mathematics curriculum to enhance achievement; Early childhood program facility planning expansion; Evaluating existing internal and external communication strategies and develop recommendations on strengthening communication and intentional working to build student engagement.

The Board approved a metal detector screening policy to help ensure the school buildings remain safe and free from dangerous objects. The policy authorizes the use of handheld metal detectors to conduct lawful searches of students on school grounds, in a school vehicle, or at a school activity. The policy allows District staff to conduct screenings based on reasonable suspicion after they have been trained.

The Board also voted to accept the resignation / retirement notices from Robin Ankrom who has taught Elementary Music for 44 years with the Falls City Public Schools and Roger Windle who has taught High School Career and Technical Education and coached in the District for 35 years.

An elementary teaching contract for the 2023-24 school year was also approved for Krystal Holmes.