October 26th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The vice president of the Maryland State Board of Education is resigning in protest over Gov. Larry Hogan's executive orders issued for the state's public school systems.

S. James Gates, a resident of Prince George's County who has served since 2009, is the second board member to go public with his opposition to Hogan's order to not open schools until after Labor Day.  Gates says it's a decision that should be left to individual school districts.

The governor's office says the vacancy will be filled quickly, but any nominee must be confirmed by the state senate. 

Allegany and Garrett Counties are expected to apply for waivers due to concerns over weather issues.