Keeping up with modern technology - and, sometimes, assessing its potential threat - is a constant job for the Public Schools of America. District 56 of Clinton, Joanna and Cross Hill is no exception.
In the case of a policy considered at the Board of Trustees meeting Monday night, the subject is drone-technology, which happens to be a major component of war in the on-going Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
Board members consider policies throughout the school year; and the latest meeting, moved to Monday because the normal fourth Monday is Thanksgiving week, brought forth these policies: workers’ compensation, staff concerns, professional staff vacations and holidays, support staff (there is a new section about retired employees returning to work), professional staff recruitment, to add “web based recruitment”, hiring of administrative staff (adds a section about principals), non-school employment (generally prohibited), resignation of support staff; discipline, suspension and dismissal of support staff (they are considered “at will” employees); staff conduct with students including a 20-bullet-point administrative rule, and student absences and excuses.
Then there is “Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones)” coming to the Board from the Administration division. A policy is needed to “ensure safety, security and privacy” of those attending and working in and around schools.
The policy prohibits drones above or near district-owned property - that’s why you don’t see them flying above, and taking video of, football games.
Yes, stadia are designated places where drones cannot fly, without prior authorization of the superintendent or his/her designee.
Drone-flights can be authorized for educational or instructional purposes, or for district operations or for approved district events. Drones operating on school property must weigh no more than .55 pounds, and the devices cannot be within 5 miles of an airport or helipad. The devices must not be operated above 400 feet of airspace above a district-owned property.
Indoor drones use is specifically prohibited.
Anyone who wants to fly a drone on or above school property has to have submitted a request in writing 5 days prior to the flying event. There are two legal references: U.S. Code of Laws and Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Also, minutes approved at the Nov. 17 meeting indicate that on Oct. 27, the District 56 Board of Trustees, by a 5-0 vote, extended the contract of Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields by 1 year and increased his salary 3% retroactive to July 1, 2025. This action is based on the superintendent’s satisfactory performance evaluation for 2024-25.
The next District 56 board meetings will be Jan. 26 and Feb. 23, 2026 - the board meetings, open to the public, are at 7:30 p.m. in the District Conference Center, 100 Legion Dr., Clinton (the former American Legion Hut).
