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Board approves $1.33 million grant to expand district aviation and drone programs
Summary
The Washoe County School District board unanimously approved a $1,330,000 grant from the Gilmour (transcribed also as Guillemot/Gilmour) Foundation to create middle‑school drone teams, contract coaching, fund an educational‑technology specialist at a Title I elementary and install flight‑simulator equipment at North Valleys High School.
The Washoe County School District board on March 10 voted unanimously to accept a $1,330,000 grant from the Gilmour (transcribed in materials also as Guillemot/Gilmour) Foundation to expand aviation and drone education across the district. The board approved the award during its regular meeting after a presentation from district staff and foundation representatives.
"What we have for you here today is essentially a four‑part project, primarily composed of a $1,330,000 funding support to our school district," said Dr. Josh Hartzog, director of career and technical education, describing components that will: fund middle‑school participation in REC Foundation drone competitions; provide contracted professional services to support coaches; create one full‑time equivalent educational‑technology specialist at a Title I elementary in the northern region; and install flight‑simulator lab equipment at North Valleys High School to complement the existing AACT Aviation Academy.
Tom Hall, chairman of the foundation's board, addressed trustees and framed the award as part of a multi‑year investment in regional aviation education. The presentation noted this grant would raise the foundation’s total investment in the district to roughly $2.4 million when combined with prior support.
Board members asked clarifying questions about program access and implementation. Staff said they will notify middle schools and administrative teams if the board approves the project, begin a competitive process to secure contracted coaching services, and plan a public celebration at North Valleys High School incorporating its Air Force JROTC program.
Trustee Beth Smith moved to accept the grant; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Following the vote, trustees paused for a photo opportunity with students and foundation representatives.
Next steps identified by staff include outreach to affected schools, a competitive procurement for contracted coaching, and scheduling of public events to highlight student participation.
