The Mid-Prairie School Board approved the first reading of changes to the district’s drone policy during their regular meeting Monday. 

The school’s current policy on drones states that in maintaining the safety, security and privacy of students, employees and visitors, the use of unmanned aircrafts on district property or in the space above it is prohibited without exception from the superintendent. There is no mention of the operation of drones in school buildings. As the winter season approaches, the Esports club is seeking to use indoor facilities for drone races. Superintendent Mark Schneider explained a desire to further clarify the policy, “Basically what I have done is modified the third to the last paragraph. Before it just talked about district curriculum and now it can also pertain to the activities program. It now also refers to inside or outside of district buildings so that it’s clear that this can’t happen on the inside. And that it not only pertains to district employees but coaches and district sponsors.”

The current policy says that any unmanned aircrafts can be operated as a part of a district curriculum and must be approved by the superintendent. Operators must also supply proof of insurance meeting liability limits established by the district, present appropriate registration and authorization issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, sign an agreement holding the district harmless from any claims of harm and meet additional requirements as determined by the district. Failure to abide by the policy may result in local, state or federal penalties. All aircrafts must also be operated in accordance with the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union policy. The second reading will take place during their second November meeting.