Code: ECACB
Adopted: 4/18/17 

Any employee or representative of the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) operating a NWRESD unmanned aircraft system shall do so in accordance with this policy and all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. 

An “unmanned aircraft system” (UAS) means an unmanned flying machine, commonly known as a drone, and its associated elements, including communication links and the components that control the machine. 

The NWRESD recognizes the academic value of student operation of a UAS as one component of curricula pertaining to principles of flight, aerodynamics and airplane design and construction, which can also serve as an academic tool in other areas such as television, film production or the arts in general.  Therefore, in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Section 336, a student may operate a UAS as part of a course requirement, as long as that student does not receive compensation directly or incidentally from such operation. NWRESD staff teaching a class that allows use of a UAS may assist a student in their operation of the UAS, provided the assistance is needed as part of the curriculum and assistance is to a student enrolled in the course. The staff member’s participation must be limited to the student’s operation of the UAS. 

NWRESD employees shall work with administrators to ensure that proper insurance, registration and authorization are in place prior to adoption of curriculum that allows operation of a UAS as part of the curriculum. 

A UAS shall be operated in accordance with the policies of the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA)¹ at OSAA sanctioned events. Use of a UAS at other NWRESD-sponsored athletics or activities is prohibited. 

A student in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. 

A staff member in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. 

All data gathered by the NWRESD as part of a UAS operation will belong to the NWRESD. The data gathering by the NWRESD will follow appropriate state and federal laws. Retention of such data will follow state and federal laws. 

The superintendent shall develop procedures for the implementation of this policy. 

The NWRESD shall post a copy of this policy, associated procedures and a copy of Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 192.501 on the NWRESD’s website. 

Third Party Use 

Third party use of a UAS on NWRESD property or at NWRESD-sponsored events for any purpose is prohibited, unless granted permission from the superintendent or designee. 

If permission is granted by the superintendent or designee, the third party operating a UAS will comply with all FAA regulations and shall provide the following to the NWRESD:

1. Proof of insurance that meets the liability limits established by the NWRESD;
2. Appropriate registration and authorization issued by the FAA when required; and
3. A signed agreement holding the NWRESD harmless from any claims of harm to individuals or damage to property. 

¹http://www.osaa.org/governance/handbooks/osaa #85 

Legal Reference(s): 

• ORS 164.885
• ORS 174.109
• ORS 192.501 
• ORS 334.125(7) 
• ORS 837.300 to -837.390 
• ORS 837.995 
• Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95,§ 336 (2012). Federal Aviation Administration, Educational Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Memorandum, May 4, 2016. Family Educational Rights Privacy Act 
• OREGON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK #85 (2015-2016).