Board approves Eaton High Aviation Academy’s drone course request to TEA

Northwest ISD trustees voted 6-0 to approve an application to the Texas Education Agency seeking approval of a new high school course focused on drone piloting and operations, district officials said.

The course was developed by Eaton High School’s Aviation Academy leaders, retired military aviators Jeff Nieves and Donnie Farr, who told trustees the curriculum emphasizes piloting drones, sensor operations and mission types such as aerial mapping, inspections, search and rescue and disaster response. The application includes locally written TEKS and a pilot year of classroom testing, administrators said.

Administrators said the course is distinct from the existing statewide drone curriculum, which they described as emphasizing certification study but not requiring students to pilot drones as part of the course. The Eaton program, administrators added, includes sequential coursework across four years and aligns with postsecondary offerings and local industry needs.

Trustees heard examples of local employer demand: presenters said several alumni had earned internships or jobs with companies such as BNSF and with a regional drone-delivery firm, Manna Drone. Presenters also described extracurricular opportunities tied to the academy, including hosting advanced vertical robotics competitions and student participation in regional events.

Dr. Rausch moved to approve the course request to TEA; Mr. Sproles seconded. The motion passed 6-0. The approval authorizes district staff to submit the program-of-study application to the Texas Education Agency for statewide review and possible adoption as an innovative or specialized course.

The board’s action was limited to approving the submission to TEA; final course adoption depends on TEA review and any subsequent trustee action to adopt TEKS or local course lists.