Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Policy
The Worthington School District maintains its oversight of promoting safety, reducing injuries, and complying with federal, state, state high school league, local laws, regulations, and policies in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). In addition, the school district recognizes its responsibility in regard to the protection of the privacy rights of students as provided in federal law and state statutes.
Without written pre-approval from the Superintendent or designee, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, is prohibited for any purpose by any person on properties owned, maintained, or used by Worthington School District 518.
School property is defined as all buildings and grounds, instructional or otherwise, indoors and outdoors.
- Some examples include, but are not limited to: classrooms, hallways, gymnasiums, pools, athletic fields, parking lots, busses, bus stops, and travel to and from bus stops.
- This also includes all building and grounds used, and not owned, by Worthington School District 518 for school sponsored events and activities, instructional or otherwise.
Guidelines
- School personnel shall refuse admission or entry to anyone attempting to use a UAV.
- School personnel will report UAV activity on School property to an Administrator.
- When possible, school personnel shall confiscate UAV’s when used on school property.
Proceedures
- All UAV’s must be properly registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, and operators must follow FAA model aircraft operation limits as well as comply with federal and state law for model aircraft operation. Proper safety precautions must be taken when flying.
- Operators must comply with district policies, federal law, and state statutes in regard to privacy of students and staff.
- Any employee wishing to operate a UAV on School Property, for educational purposes, can seek permission from the Superintendent or designee.
- Requests for permission must be submitted to the Superintendent’s office in writing at least ten (10) days prior to date of use. Application Request form is located on this webpage to submit request.
Legal References: P.L. 112-95 Section 336 (FAA Modernization and Reform Act) 20 U.S.C. §1232g et. seq. (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) 34 C.F.R. §§ 99.1-99.67 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy) Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act) Minn. Rules Pts. 1205.0100-1205.2000 (Data Practices)
Cross References: District 77 Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records)