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Gloucester school board approves new courses but delays drone class amid cost concerns
Summary
The Gloucester County School Board approved multiple additions to the high-school and middle-school program of studies on Jan. 13, 2026 — including dance and criminal-justice sequences — but deferred a standalone unmanned aircraft systems (drone) course after discussion about startup and recurring costs, staffing, and budget timing.
The Gloucester County School Board on Jan. 13 approved several additions to its program of studies — from Techniques of Dance and Criminal Justice II to a proposed advanced middle‑school science pathway — but voted to hold off on establishing a standalone unmanned aircraft systems (drone) course while it examines staffing and budget implications.
Superintendent-designated staff presented a slate of course proposals and cost estimates, telling the board that a full-time teacher plus startup equipment could require tens of thousands of dollars and recurring annual costs. Staff said student testing and prep materials alone could amount to roughly $275–$325 per student in the first year (a $175 FAA test fee plus $100–$150 in prep materials), and that initial…
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