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Florence One sends aerospace School of Innovation application to state, partners include Embry‑Riddle and local airport
Summary
The board voted to submit an application for a School of Innovation focused on aerospace pathways (pilot training, maintenance, air traffic control, drone operations), partnering with Florence Regional Airport, Embry‑Riddle, Charleston Southern University and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics; the district seeks state waivers and hopes to begin as early as next school year if approved.
Superintendent Dr. Ali presented the district’s application to establish a School of Innovation focused on aerospace career pathways and asked the board to authorize submission to the state for review and required waivers.
Dr. Ali said the proposed school would encompass four main pathways: pilot training (private pilot ground school and pathways to collegiate flight training), aviation maintenance technician training, air traffic control preparation, and drone operations. He named partners that would provide coursework, certifications and internship opportunities: Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (dual‑enrollment and middle‑school outreach), Charleston Southern University (collegiate flight training pathways), the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (Myrtle Beach campus for maintenance technician training) and the Florence Regional Airport (facility access and use of a hangar as instructional space).
"We have almost estimated of 18,000 job openings in a year for just pilot license," Dr. Ali said, arguing workforce demand and local airport growth justify the program. He described internships (paid when possible), dual‑enrollment credit with partner institutions, and a runway outreach initiative to expose middle schoolers to aviation careers.
Board members and guests in attendance — including Robbie Hill (airport commission) and Mr. Chapman — voiced strong support for the application, praised the partnerships and said they hoped the state would act quickly. Dr. Ali said the state’s review likely takes two to three months and that, with waivers and hangar access, the district could potentially start components as early as next year.
The board approved sending the application to the state by voice vote. The application requests flexibility under state guidelines (including teacher certification waivers to allow industry professionals to teach) and commits to partnership agreements and internship arrangements if approved.
