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The School District of Pickens County’s board raised several concerns as the board failed to pass a model policy from the state regarding cellphone use in schools.In a split 3-3 vote, the board did not have the majority to pass the policy on Monday, thus failing the motion. “The board doesn’t want to push the teachers and have them to be the enforcers, and that is the role of the districts to enact the policy,” district spokesperson Dr. Darian Byrd said. “We want to work with the board and land somewhere.”The state’s baseline policy states students must turn off their devices beginning at the tardy bell to dismissal with some exceptions for medical and safety needs. Board members raised concerns about what exactly constitutes instructional time and how teachers could be asked to enforce it.”I consider in-class instructional time,” Board Member Betty Bagley said. “I do not consider the lunch room instructional time, walking up and down the hallway instructional time, recess.””In a lunchroom, let’s say, with 600 students in there, I don’t know if you’ve been to a mall, but when I walk through the mall, and if you ask me who owns this device right now and turn them all off, I mean, that is a space that it’s going to be difficult,” Byrd said.The policy is tied to a proviso in South Carolina’s budget. District officials said failing to comply with the cellphone policy could lead to some of its budget being withheld.Children’s safety was also brought up as a concern.”When a cellphone is turned off, that sometimes removes that tracking ability, and so I get that. The board members get that, and the constituents have been concerned with that,” Byrd said.Byrd said upwards of 70% of the district’s budget is received from the state. At least one board member said he voted in favor of the policy to avoid losing the funding.”Just before I do vote on this, I really am just voting for formality or otherwise, I take my funding,” Board Member Shannon Haskett said.Implementation of the statewide cellphone ban in schools will begin in January. “I know it’s not just our board,” Byrd said. “Other places across state would like to see if there would be some provisions because that’s where it’s going to be difficult to enforce.”The school board has called a meeting for Friday, when they are expected to discuss and vote on the policy again.