ADAMS TWP — Cell phones will not be used as a learning tool in the Mars School District if the school board votes to revise a technology policy.

The board on Tuesday night approved a 30-day posting of a revision to the bring-your-own-technology program that now is in place at the high school and will expand to the middle school next school year.

The revision would remove cell phones as a method of technological learning.

“We want students to use a tablet or laptop rather than a phone as part of classwork,” said Superintendent Jim Budzilek.

But Budzilek and the board members agreed that cell phones should not be banned from the schools for security reasons.

“In today’s world, the board would not want to even look at removing cell phones,” Budzilek said.

Board member Rita Dorsch asked if the board should develop a policy regarding cell phones in school, and Budzilek agreed.

“I think first, we should strengthen the (BYOT) program, and then revisit the cell phone policy separately,” Budzilek said.

Board President Dayle Ferguson recommended mp3 players, iPods, personal digital assistants and other similar devices also be included in removal from the policy.

The board decided those items would be allowed if necessary for an assignment or as part of an individual education plan. In other cases, administrators would decide on whether to allow the devices on a case-by-case basis.

The policy revision will be posted on the district’s website, www.marsk12.org, and at the administration office for 30 days. Anyone can comment on the revision during that time.

The earliest the revision could be approved is at the June 10 board meeting. If changes are made, the policy would be posted for another 30 days before the school board votes on it.