Jerome Joint School District No. 261

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 8800

Drones

It is the policy of the Jerome Jt. School District to maintain a safe learning environment. The District has

determined that unapproved use of drones poses a safety hazard. The use or possession of unmanned aircraft or

aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any person or entity at any District-

sponsored event; game; match; tournament; or anywhere in, on, or directly above or upon property or premises

owned, maintained or used by the District for any purpose, unless otherwise preempted by applicable State or

federal law. The District reserves the right to remove or refuse admission to any individual who violates this policy.

The District further reserves the right to exclude any individual who violates this policy from future District events.

Violators may also be reported to appropriate authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Students or employees violating this policy shall be subject to formal disciplinary action pursuant to District

policies.

Use of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)

An unmanned aircraft, or drone (hereinafter “drone”), is an aircraft that is:

1. Capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere;

2. Flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft; and

3. Flown for hobby or recreational purposes.

Appropriate Use

School Related: Teachers/staff, students (over 16 years old) may, with pre-approval from the District’s

Administration, and if part of a school program or activity, operate a drone on school property solely for the

limited purpose of the administrative pre-approval.

Non-School Related: Visitors and unsupervised students are prohibited from operating drones on District

property.

The following guidelines must be adhered to by anyone flying a drone on District property:

1. Absent specific written permission from the District’s Administration, all drones operating on District

property must weigh no more than 55 lbs. If a drone weighs between .55 and 55 pounds, the individual

must register the device online. The school shall request proof of the drone owner/operator with regard

to the device’s registration.

2. Operators must not operate a drone within five miles of any airport without prior notification and

confirmation from airport authorities.

3. Operators must abide by any other airspace restrictions.

4. Operators must not operate a drone above an altitude of 400 feet above ground level and must remain

clear of surrounding obstacles.

5. Operators must maintain safe control and line of sight with the drone during all stages of operation.

Drones may only be flown during daylight and in weather that allows 3 miles of visibility from the place

the drone is being operated.

6. Operators must maintain a safe operating distance from crowds and may not fly over stadiums, sports

events, emergency response efforts, or any people who are not directly involved in the operation of the

drone.

7. Operators must ensure drone operations do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.

8. Data collected by a drone can only be used for educational purposes and may not be sold for profit.

9. If there is a plan to fly drones over property that is not owned by the District, written permission from the owner of the property must be provided to the Superintendent or his or her designee. Those operating drones on property not owned by the District must adhere to all requirements of this policy.

10. Operators assume all risk of damage to property and bodily injuries that may occur due to unsafe

operation of any drones.

The Superintendent or designee may require those using the drone to:

1. Supply proof of insurance meeting liability limits established by the District;

2. Sign an agreement holding the District harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to

property; and

3. Meet additional requirements as determined appropriate by the District.

Inappropriate Use

Inappropriate use of drones includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Violating any State or Federal laws or rules or any District policy;

2. Taking pictures of property or persons without consent;

3. Violating safe operating protocols as defined in drone user manual and as directed by the supervising staff member;

4. Deliberately annoying another person, interfering with another’s work, insulting or attacking others, or

harassing others; and

5. Take-offs or landings on District property contrary to this policy or pre-approval of the District’s

administration.

Violations

District staff shall monitor for inappropriate use of District drone technology as defined by this policy. Violators

may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion for students and termination for

employees. Violators may also be subject to civil penalties pursuant to Idaho Code § 21-213(3).3

Legal Reference: Memorandum: Educational Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Federal Aviation

Administration

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 336. Special Rule for Model Aircraft

I.C. § 21-213 Restrictions on Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Other References: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Federal Aviation Administration,

https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/

Policy History:

Adopted on: 08/28/2018