CHAPTER 4.00 - CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

4.33 Operation Of Unmanned Vehicles (Drones)

I. The School Board is committed to providing all students and staff with technology  based learning opportunities. Unmanned remotely controlled aerial systems, i.e.  drones, have value in an instructional setting. Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles  (UAV’S/drones) is a privilege which comes with responsibilities that must be  adhered to. 

II. Unmanned aircraft (drones) are defined as any powered, aerial vehicle that when  operated outdoors is subject to Federal and/or State regulations. 

III. Students, staff and all other persons are prohibited from operating a drone over a  public school serving students unless prior written consent from either the school  principal, district school board, or superintendent is given authorizing the use of  drones. 

IV. Staff and students who have received written consent to use drones on school  property shall only operate drones in accordance with this policy and applicable  Federal guidelines. Any inappropriate use must be reported to the  Superintendent or designee. 

V. A teacher wishing to use/demonstrate any remotely controlled aerial system  technology in an instructional related setting must adhere to the guidelines of this  policy and applicable Federal guidelines. A clear connection between drone  technology and the approved course curriculum must exist. 

VI. Drone Use Pre-Qualification Guidelines 

A. Any staff member who requests to use drones in their curriculum program  must provide educational objective supporting documentation and obtain  permission from their administrator. 

B. Any staff member who requests to use drones in an athletic program must meet the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines and  seek permission from their administrator. 

C. Any staff member who has been granted permission to use drones in their  curriculum or athletic program must obtain remote operator certificate (FAA  Part 107 Guidelines). 

D. All drones owned and operated by the District are to be registered with the  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

E. Only drones produced by approved drone manufacturers can be used for  educational purposes and by the District for operations and maintenance of  District property. 

VII. Operation Guidelines 

A. Staff and students shall not operate drones within five (5) miles of any airport  without prior notification and acknowledgment from airport authorities. Written documentation for notification should be logged and kept on file by  the notifying staff member. 

B. Students operating drones on school grounds must: be enrolled in a program  that includes the use of drones in its curriculum, have been trained in the use  of drones by the teacher. 

C. Students shall not operate drones without the direct supervision and  presence of a teacher. 

D. All proper safety equipment must be used by any operator(s) and  observer(s) to include eye and ear protection. 

E. The use of any drone on school grounds must be approved in advance by  the principal or a district administrator. 

F. Drone operators (staff and students) must maintain safe control and line-of sight at all times during operation and are prohibited from flying drones over  playing fields, seating and spectator areas where and when people are  present, as well as parking areas where and when people and/or vehicles  are present. Broadcast from a remote location does not constitute line of  sight. 

G. Staff and students shall not operate drones above an altitude of 400 feet  above ground level or within 400 feet of a structure as outlined in FAA Part  107 guidelines. 

H. Any district or teacher provided drone operated on school grounds must be  of relatively low power, be equipped with blade guards, weight less than 0.55  lbs., and not be subject to FAA registration requirements. Staff and students  shall not operate a drone with a weight of more than 55 lbs.

I. Staff and students shall not operate drones before sunrise or after sunset or  in adverse weather conditions. 

J. Staff and students shall not operate drones within proximity to or above  individuals, crowds, or vehicles, to include parking lots, bleachers, sporting  events, school-based activities or functions. 

K. Students are not permitted to bring drones to school. 

L. If used outside, and if the drone were to be flown/blown onto a building roof, off-campus location, or another restricted area, the teacher/coach must  report it immediately to school administration and appropriate support staff,  i.e. custodial staff, or technical services if the drone is located on the roof.  Students shall not be used to retrieve the drone under any such  circumstances. 

M. Any variance from this policy requires the prior written authorization from  both the Director of Safety and Security and the Supervisor of Risk  Management. 

VIII. Inappropriate Use 

A. Staff and students shall not operate drones under circumstances where profit  would be generated. 

B. Staff and students shall not operate drones broadcasting or recording images  of people or property where the

reasonable expectation of privacy exists or  over areas that are normally deemed private by social norms, such as  restrooms, locker rooms, or residential areas. 

C. Staff and students shall not operate drones indoors, i.e. no flying in classrooms. 

IX. Drone Injuries or Incidents 

A. Any injuries or property damage resulting from District drone use shall  immediately be reported to the operator’s direct supervisor and to the Risk  Management Department. Further use of the drone in question will be  suspended until an investigation of the events takes place and clearance for  use is provided. 

B. Any scenarios not addressed within this policy shall be governed by the  appropriate Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

C. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action for staff and/or  students and/or revocation of drone use privileges. 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 1001.41; 1001.42, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 330.41, 934.50 F.S. 

Title 49 U.S.C §§40101, 40102 and 40103 

14 C.F.R § 1.1 

Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular AC 91-57A 

Public Law 112-95 

Code of Federal Regulation Part 107 – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Florida High School Athletic Association Guideline Handbook 

History: Adopted: October 8, 2024 

Revision Date(s): 

Formerly: NEW