Southern York County Schools Launch Innovative Drone Certification Program

In a recent meeting of the Southern York County School District Board, several significant agreements and initiatives were approved, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for students.

The board unanimously approved two memoranda of understanding with Grove City College and the Community College of Baltimore County, allowing students to take online classes at no cost to the district. Board members expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, particularly highlighting the efforts of Dr. Mullen, who played a pivotal role in bringing the agreement to fruition.

Additionally, the board approved a memorandum with Eastern Mennonite University for a graduate nursing student to join the district for the 2024-2025 school year. This initiative is expected to bolster the district's nursing program and provide valuable experience for the student.

A notable highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a partnership with Harrisburg University to offer a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone pilot license certification course. Dr. Hughes provided details on the program, which will allow a teacher to become certified in drone piloting and subsequently offer the course to students. The program is set to begin next year, with the teacher undergoing training this year. This initiative aims to prepare students for emerging fields in aviation and technology.

The board also approved a speaker from the Engineering Society of York to present a physical science program to fifth-grade students at no cost to the district. Furthermore, discussions were initiated regarding the proposed field trip list for the 2024-2025 school year, with a focus on refining the selection process based on previous feedback.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to expanding educational resources and opportunities for its students, particularly in innovative fields such as aviation and nursing.