Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also called unmanned aerial vehicles or “drones,” are considered aircraft according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). All aircraft operating in the National Airspace System must follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations. Rapid advances in technology provide opportunities for the use of UAS as a tool for education, research and outreach. The purpose of this regulation is to provide clarity and a framework for UAS operations on Lincoln Public Schools property, or at or in connection with Lincoln Public Schools programs or activities (the “UAS Program”).
The goals of this regulation and the UAS Program are to: (1) support the use of UAS in education, research and outreach within current laws and rules, and (2) protect the safety of the school community; and ensure appropriate oversight for risk management of UAS operations at or in connection with Lincoln Public Schools as provided herein. This policy applies to both Lincoln Public Schools-owned and non- owned UAS when operated by:
Hobbyists are not permitted to operate UAS on or above Lincoln Public Schools property and any such use is deemed a trespass. Use approval protocols, applications and/or checklist documents are to be developed for LPS Users and Commercial Civil UAS Users by the Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs or designee (the “Program Administrator”) who is hereby designated and delegated the authority to issue approvals and otherwise operate and administer the Lincoln Public Schools UAS Program as provided herein.
Building administrators and staff shall work with the Program Administrator, personnel in business affairs, instruction, risk management, security and other areas to develop the protocols, procedures and documents to implement this policy, including additional restrictions and sanctions for unauthorized operations on Lincoln Public Schools owned or controlled property.
Prior to operating a UAS as part of any Lincoln Public Schools activities at any location, the project leader must complete, sign and submit all required information to the Program Administrator and receive approval for UAS flights in support of a specific project. If approved, the UAS operator must follow all Lincoln Public Schools policies, state and federal laws and FAA rules and regulation
(https://www.faa.gov/uas/) including FAA authorization through a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), Section 333 exemption, and/or other procedures as required by the FAA. UAS operations outside the United States as part of Lincoln Public Schools programs or activities also require a special approval and export controls review.
Individuals conducting civil and governmental UAS operations on behalf of Lincoln Public Schools, including performing contracted services, must comply with state and federal laws, FAA rules and regulations, and this policy including submission of the required information and receipt of approval by the Program Administrator. Anyone operating a UAS not owned by Lincoln Public Schools must provide a COA, Section 333 exemption, and/or other evidence issued by the FAA authorizing them to perform the proposed flight, as applicable. Such operators must also provide credentials and a certificate of insurance to be approved by the Program Administrator which shows adequate UAS liability insurance coverage and names the Lincoln Public Schools as an additional insured.
Any violations of Lincoln Public Schools policies or student code of conduct by an individual will be administered in accordance with applicable Lincoln Public Schools discipline protocols, policies and procedures. Individuals who violate this policy may be subject to civil or criminal penalties including trespass and the seizure of the UAS by police or Lincoln Public Schools security. Fines, damages and claims against individuals who violate this policy may be the responsibility of that individual.