Governor Larry Hogan issued a second executive order Tuesday that makes it difficult for school systems to avoid starting school after Labor Day by seeking a waiver.
The order comes after the state board was offering waivers from Hogan’s mandate and as many local school officials protested, saying they wanted to retain control over their school calendars.
In his new order, Hogan said that only schools that are charters, low performing or at risk may apply for a waiver from the Maryland state school board, and only if they have an “innovative school schedule” that requires them to be open during the summer.
The order also said school districts may seek a waiver if they have been closed for bad weather for 10 days each in two of the last five school years.
