SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS | Policy Manual

7440.03 - SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

The Governing Board prohibits the operation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) at any time by any individual who is not expressly authorized to do so by the Superintendent on property owned or leased or contracted for by the Governing Board. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems are commonly known as drones.

The Governing Board also prohibits the operation of sUAS on property owned or leased or contracted for by the Governing Board during ESC-sponsored contests (including scrimmages and previews), practices, tournaments, and activities under the auspices of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). ESC officials may deny admission or entry to anyone attempting to use an sUAS until the event has been completed. Any exceptions to this prohibition must be approved in advance by the Superintendent.

To be authorized to operate a sUAS on property owned or leased or contracted for by the Governing Board, a staff member, administrator, or other individual (agent) under contract with the Governing Board must have a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Further, the sUAS must be registered with the FAA and properly marked in accordance with 14 C.F.R. Part 107.

A staff member, administrator, or agent of the Governing Board authorized to operate a sUAS on property owned or leased or contracted for by the Governing Board must also comply with all rules set forth in 14 C.F.R. Part 107. (See AG 7440.03)

Failure to adhere to all rules set forth in 14 C.F.R. Part 107 and AG 7440.03 may result in loss of authorization to operate a sUAS to operate on property owned or leased or contracted for by the Governing Board, referral to local law enforcement, and/or further disciplinary action, up to and including termination for an employee and expulsion for a student.