Georgia Weighs $550K Drone Pilot Program for Schools

Proposed system could provide faster response times in emergencies, but raises privacy concerns

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Georgia lawmakers are considering funding a pilot program to test drones at four high schools. The Texas-based company Campus Guardian Angel demonstrated a drone system that it says could respond to an active shooter in seconds. Supporters argue the drones could improve school safety, while critics have raised concerns about privacy, cost, and the appropriateness of deploying drone technology on campuses.

Why it matters

School safety remains a critical issue in Georgia following the shooting at Apalachee High School. The proposed drone system aims to provide an additional layer of protection, but its implementation raises questions about balancing security needs with student privacy rights.

The details

The drones are designed to be stored inside schools in charging boxes and launched quickly if staff activate a panic button. Representatives said the drones could reach a threat in about 15 seconds and stop it in under a minute. The $550,000 pilot program would test the system at four high schools, likely including a mix of metro Atlanta and rural districts. Even if the pilot moves forward, school districts could also use Georgia's $50,000 school safety grants to invest in the drone system.

  • The Georgia legislature is currently negotiating the state budget, which includes $550,000 for the drone pilot program.
  • The proposed pilot program would test the drone system at four high schools in the coming weeks.

The players

Campus Guardian Angel

A Texas-based company that demonstrated the drone system to Georgia lawmakers.

Matt Dubnik

Chairman of the Georgia House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, who said the demonstration helped lawmakers better understand the proposal.

Jayla Schroder

A student who attended the demonstration at the Georgia Capitol and said the proposal reflects fears many teenagers already carry.

Holt Persinger

A Georgia state representative who said school safety remains urgent following the shooting at Apalachee High School.

Justin Marston

CEO and founder of Campus Guardian Angel, who compared the service cost to a common streaming subscription.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing is believing, right?”

— Matt Dubnik, Chairman, Georgia House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education (wrdw.com)

“It's definitely something that my classmates and I talk about sometimes.”

— Jayla Schroder, Student (wrdw.com)

“Anything we can do to add another layer of safety to make sure our kids and our staff are safe.”

— Holt Persinger, State Representative, Barrow County (wrdw.com)

“We cost less than Netflix to protect your child with an elite air force.”

— Justin Marston, CEO and Founder, Campus Guardian Angel (wrdw.com)

What’s next

The proposed $550,000 pilot program is still under review as Georgia lawmakers finalize the state budget in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The debate over deploying drone technology in schools highlights the complex balance between enhancing school safety and protecting student privacy. As Georgia lawmakers consider this pilot program, it will be crucial to engage all stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators, to ensure any security measures address community concerns and needs.