ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order Wednesday to start Maryland public schools after Labor Day.
As he stood on the boardwalk in Ocean City Hogan said that this would help extend the tourist season for Marylanders and local businesses.
In addition, he said that it would help schools avoid the hot weather of August – especially for those without air conditioning and would save on energy costs.
The change is set to take effect next year. It requires public schools to complete the 180 days required under state law.
It also requires the school year to end by June 15. The order allows for a waiver, if a school system has a compelling justification.
Governor Hogan said, “The people of Maryland strongly agree that this action puts the best interest of Marylanders first, especially the wellbeing of our students. Most people agree this is long overdue. And that it is simply the right thing to do.
The Republican governor signed the order on the boardwalk with Comptroller Peter Franchot, a Democrat, by his side.
But Hogan's executive order to require Maryland public schools to start after Labor Day is drawing swift criticism from opponents.
Senator Mike Miller
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said Wednesday shortly after Hogan's announcement that using an executive order is "legally questionable."
Miller, a Democrat, says it would have been more appropriate for the Republican governor to push for legislation and work with education experts and local officials around the state.
Miller also says the governor's announcement with Comptroller Peter Franchot by his side "appears like political gamesmanship."
Hogan, for his part, says the change is popular with Maryland residents.
The governor also is noting that a nonpartisan task force in 2014 voted 12-3 to recommend that schools begin after Labor Day.
Hogan added, that he was confident there were no legal problems with the executive order.
Opponents criticized the governor for setting the policy by executive order, ignoring input from educators who largely oppose the idea.
