The Spirit Lake Community School District is committed to providing a safe and orderly environment for staff, students, and visitors to the school district. With that commitment in mind, this policy sets expectations for use of drones (UAS) that might impact the delivery of education and impact district resources. The following policy applies to the extent not preempted by federal or state regulatory jurisdiction regarding unmanned aircrafts. For purposes of the policy, the term "unmanned aircraft" means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Use of Drones on Spirit Lake school property, or in the space above the property that reasonably can be considered part of the district property, is prohibited without prior approval. Prior approval must be requested in writing and may be approved by the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. The Superintendent or superintendent’s designee shall determine whether the request is appropriate and safe. This approval is granted on a case-by-case basis and the superintendent’s decision is final. The following conditions must be met for approval:
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Written request for drone operation must occur in advance (at least 48 hours or 2 days) prior to planned use. Drone operation requires providing the district with a copy of registration with the FAA, including certification of authorization, or the necessary 333 exemption, as issued by the FAA when required by law. If the area over which the drone is anticipated to fly is within five nautical miles of an airport, the UAS operator shall provide a letter of agreement that the airport has authorized permission to operate within the territory of the five miles. |
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A signed agreement, Exhibit 906E1, holding the Spirit Lake Community School District harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property. |
| 3. | Proof of insurance with liability limits of not less than $1 million that identifies the Spirit Lake Community School District as additionally insured inclusive of, but not limited to, primary/non-contributory and waiver of subrogation language supporting an endorsed additional insured status. |
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The district will follow any Iowa High School Athletic Association rules regarding drone use during IHSSA regulated events, as required. |
The Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee, shall refuse admission to or demand removal of any individual or group attempting or intending to use a drone without authorization. The Superintendent, or designee, may suspend play of athletic or other competitions, if necessary, pending removal of the unauthorized individual and drone from prohibited areas. Flying of a drone in a reckless manner is a violation of Federal laws and FAA regulations and could result in civil fines or criminal action. The Superintendent, or superintendent’s designee, may report such activity that endangers other aircraft, people on the ground, or district property, to local law enforcement. Failure to abide by this policy may result in local, state and federal penalties if applicable.
If unmanned aircrafts are operated as part of the district curriculum, prior to adoption of the curriculum, district employees shall work with district administration to ensure the appropriate insurance, registration and authorizations are in place.
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Approved: 12/12/16 |
Reviewed: 4/8/19 |
Revised: 10/13/25 |
The undersigned states that it will hold the Spirit Lake School District, hereafter referred to as "school district," harmless from any and all damages and claims that may arise by reason of any negligence on the part of the user in the use of any unmanned aircraft system on school grounds.
In case any action is brought therefore against the school district or any of its officers, employees or agents, the user will assume full responsibility for the legal defense thereof, and upon its failure to do so on proper notice, the school district reserves the right to defend such action and to charge all costs, including attorneys' fees, to the entity.
The entity agrees to furnish and maintain during the usage of unmanned aircraft on school grounds such bodily injury and property damage liability insurance as will protect the entity and the school district from claims or damages for personal injury, including accidental death, and from claims for property damages which may arise from the user’s use of unmanned aircraft on school grounds.
The entity will furnish the school district with a certificate of insurance, with liability limits of not less than $1,000,000, before the contract is issued.
Dated at _____________________________________, Iowa, this ______day of __________________________, 20______
Spirit Lake School District
By__________________________________________________ By __________________________________________________ Superintendent
Title________________________________________________ By ___________________________________________________ Secretary
Address _____________________________________________________________________