- December 13, 2025
Volusia County Schools has been selected as one of three school districts in Florida to participate in a school safety pilot program utilizing drones.
An initiative funded by $557,000 by the Florida Legislature, the pilot program with Texas-based company Campus Guardian Angel is aimed at protecting students and staff during active shooter situations. According to a press release by VCS, the system deploys non-lethal drones within seconds of an emergency alert and provides real-time video to law enforcement.
It also uses deterrents like sirens, flashing lights and pepper spray pellets to disorient a potential active shooter. The district states the drones will be stored onsite and have the ability to reach any point on campus as fast as 15 seconds.
“There is no more important mission than the safety and security of our schools, and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Volusia County Schools are eager to work with the state of Florida and Campus Guardian Angel to lead the charge in exploring new tools to protect our students, faculty, and staff,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in the press release.
The pilot program will begin implementation in early 2026.
"Being selected for this pilot program is an incredible honor, and we are grateful for the opportunity to lead the way in using cutting-edge technology to safeguard our students and staff," Superintendent Dr. Balgobin said. "This initiative reflects our commitment to proactive security measures and to ensuring that our schools remain places of learning, not fear.”
