TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County School Board will continue its discussion on Tuesday, fine-tuning a new cell phone policy that could be implemented in time for the start of the new school year.

Although some board members have pushed for a ban on cell phones, revisions to the plan include exceptions for smart phones and other devices involving students with medical conditions or for students who are using phones as part of their educational plans.

Board Vice Chairwoman Jessica Vaughn says although the new cell phone plan has received parent push back, she said revisions to the plan will allow students to bring phones to school, but limit their use in the classroom.

“My biggest concern is aside from, I think parents’ and students’ initial reaction, is just whether it is going to be taxing for our school employees to really enforce this,” Vaughn said. “But I do think if this is a board policy, it will have more teeth to it where it’s unified across the district. Parents and families understand it.”

The current cell phone policy in Hillsborough County allows students to use phones in school based on individual principal decisions, meaning every school has a different set of guidelines for students.

Currently, cell phone use is more strictly enforced in elementary and middle schools as opposed to high schools.

The board could vote on a new policy by the end of July, and if approved, new cell phone guidelines would be enforced beginning on Aug. 12, when school resumes for the fall.

Meanwhile in Pinellas County, board members unanimously approved a cell phone policy that creates a standard set of guidelines for all students in the school district. The policy is set to take effect in August.