NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued a statement on Thursday night blasting Governor Larry Hogan with regard to his school reopening announcement.

“As County Executive and a former teacher, I want nothing more than to get our kids back in classrooms as soon as possible especially our youngest learners and those with disabilities or special needs,” said Olszewski. “We can only do that when we know we can keep our students and educators safe.”

“Governor Hogan has been absent for months on calls where I and other local leaders have been asking for re-opening guidelines from the state,” Olszewski added. “Now, days before schools open the Governor and Superintendent (Karen) Salmon have finally released guidance, while dangling $10 million to convince historically underfunded systems to open—whether they’re ready or not.”

“That’s not leadership. Maryland students and families deserve better,” Olszewski concluded.

According to data from the Maryland Department of Health, there has been just 1 confirmed coronavirus death among Marylanders under the age of 20 out of 11,304 cases in the same age group—a fatality rate in state school-aged children of 0.009%.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has also recommended that schools reopen.

Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl Williams also issued a statement on Thursday night.