Shaker Board delays decision on the use of drones at school events

By GAIL OBER, LACONIA DAILY SUN

BELMONT — A local teen's desire to use his drone to record team practices and other school events is still on hold after the Shaker School Board asked the policy committee to take a further look at the policy.

The policy committee will consider allowing limited uses of drones at certain school practices and provide standards for drones and certifications for their pilots.

Devin Poslusny is a junior at Belmont High School who has 11 hours of flight time with his DJI Phantom 3, and has flown 170 flights and logged 19,165 feet. He agreed that while recording practices from the air, he would not fly directly over individuals at events.

He explained all of the safety features incorporated in his drone and agreed not to fly in any inclement weather or in winds blowing 22 mph or greater. During the time Devin talked to the board, videos he had taken of other non-school sporting events played where the board members could see them.

School Board members seemed supportive but were still unsure how to approach the drone policy, with the possible exception of Bob Reed, who asked Devin if he felt comfortable enough with his skills to fly the drone in the crowded, low ceiling library at the elementary school which was the site of Tuesday night's meeting.

Devin hedged a little, told them he would feel somewhat comfortable, but did not fly the drone.

According to the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association, drones are prohibited at all competitive events.

Devin told the board that he and his father did some research and discovered that there was an incident with some RC helicopters but that a drone like his is a very different thing.

Superintendent Maria Dreyer said overhead flying is what concerns her, while member Heidi Chaney said she would like a specific legal agreement with Devin or whoever would potentially follow in his shoes.

Cheney also added that the Belmont Police Department is against allowing drones and Dreyer added that their concerns are based on privacy issues. Cheney said Primex, the school district's insurance carrier, didn't say no but didn't say yes either.

"A typical wishy, washy response," said Chairman Sean Embree, adding that he is concerned about liability and indicated he wished for more direction.

Member Gretta Olsen-Wilder suggested writing a policy for now that refers to Devin's proposal as a pilot program or a "wait and see." She also said it should be restricted to school use only and not allow outsiders to use drones on the property.

Embree noted that Devin would like to know whether he can record soccer practices that begin in early August.

Olsen-Wilder chairs the policy committee and said she would schedule a meeting soon.

Bryant resigns

In other Shaker School District news, Belmont member Richy Bryant resigned his seat earlier this month because of family commitments. The board is seeking someone to serve out his term that ends in March of 2017.

Devin Poslusny flies his drone during a video program he produces. (File photo)