Any drone flight involving take off from or landing on District-owned property or conducted off-site for a District purpose, including indoor flights, must be approved in advance, in writing, by Goose Creek CISD’s Superintendent or his designee. Requests for authorization must be submitted in writing to Goose Creek CISD Drone Flight Portal Submission at least 30 calendar days prior to the drone use requiring authorization.

The District reserves the right to permit or prohibit any drone use on or in the airspace above GCCISD owned property or off-site for a District purpose based on factors including risk to people or property and educational purpose served.

Drone flights involving take off from or landing on District-owned property will not be approved unless the drone operator is a District officer, employee, student, or other District-affiliated party, such as a contractor or volunteer, and the drone flight serves a District purpose. GCCISD , in its discretion, may authorize District employees, students, or other District-affiliated parties to operate a drone in designated indoor spaces at designated times. Outdoor drone use will not be approved by the District without written confirmation that the drone operator has provided notice to and obtained authorization from Baytown Airport, as required by applicable authorities. Drone flights over people will not be approved without written confirmation that the flight complies with applicable FAA requirements, or a FAA waiver has been granted.

In addition to obtaining District authorization, all drone operators shall provide at least 24 hours prior written notice of the approved drone flight to affected parties, such as Goose Creek CISD Police Department dispatch and any relevant campus administration, as directed by GCCISD in the approval notice. All District-authorized drone flights must always remain within the visual line of sight of the operator and may not be flown in areas where there is an expectation of privacy, such as above locker rooms and restrooms.

All flights of unmanned aircraft systems must be approved by the executive council or their department representatives. For educational purposes, the request shall go through the director of career and technical education. For noneducational purposes, this request shall go through the director of safe and secure schools.

Drones Prohibited Complying with GKA(LEGAL), all flights shall begin the process with the following items:

1. If a license is required to fly a UAS on district property, this must be presented during the approval process;
2. The completion of The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) if required prior to the flight; and
3. Proper notification and approval are granted.

Exceptions for UAS Flight

No violation of this policy occurs when the use of a drone takes place as part of a District-approved activity supervised by District authorities or within GKA(LEGAL).

The following locations are off limits for UAS flight. "No Drone Zone" locations include:

1. Central administration building;
2. Education support center; and
3. Athletic facilities (during sanctioned games and scrimmages) during warm-up, contest, or half-time per University Interscholastic League (UIL) policy.

Final determination of no-fly zones is established by the Superintendent or designees.

In addition to complying with the requirements and restrictions set forth above, a drone operator who is not an employee or student of the District and who is seeking authorization to operate a drone on or in the airspace above District-owned property or off-site for District purposes, such as construction, exhibitions, and inspections, must:

a) Obtain authorization from Goose Creek CISD ’s Superintendent or his designee;

b) Provide the District with a signed statement indemnifying, defending, and holding the District harmless from any harm to individuals or damage to property in connection with the drone flight; and

c) Provide the District with proof of liability insurance with policy limits of at least $1 million and copies of policy endorsements showing the District as Additional Insured, Waivers of Subrogation in favor of Goose Creek CISD , and proof of coverage for injury or damage resulting from the operation of drones, including operation in violation of applicable law.

Drones operated by members of the general public are not permitted to take off from or land on District- owned property. Any drone flights in the airspace above District-owned property by members of the general public shall comply with all FAA regulations, state privacy laws, and local requirements, such as restrictions imposed by local airports and law enforcement authorities.

Additionally, drones shall not be flown:

1. over people (unless specifically permitted by law),

2. in a reckless or careless manner, or

3. in such a manner as to disrupt school-sponsored or school-related activities or the educational process.

These procedures shall not apply to drone operations performed by public safety officials, whether or not employed by the District, for law enforcement or public safety purposes.

Nothing in these procedures shall be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of any governmental immunities or defenses on behalf of Goose Creek CISD , its trustees, officers, employees, and agents. Failure of any District employee or student to comply with these procedures and applicable law may result in disciplinary action. The District reserves the right to report any drone use in violation of applicable law to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Drone Authorization Request Form

GCCISD District map

B4UFLY – Federal Aviation Administration Mobile Application

FAA Drone Zone – Register your drone

Drones in Public Safety: A guide to Starting Operations

Texas CTE –Unmanned Autonomous Systems and Vehicles

City of Baytown use of Drones at Parks

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

GKA(LEGAL) - Community Relations: Conduct on School Premises

CKEA - SEcurity Personnel: Commissioned Peace Officers