TOWSON, Md. (AP) — School officials in Baltimore County announced plans to bring small groups of students back for in-person learning beginning in November.

The announcement Thursday drew disparate reactions from state and local political leaders _ Republican Gov. Larry Hogan praised the school system and Democratic County Executive Johnny Olszewski criticized a lack of communication.

Under the school system’s plan, all teachers and school staff would be back in school buildings beginning Oct. 19, with students still attending classes virtually.

By Nov. 13, small groups of students would return to schools for in-person instruction.

At the outset, those students would be those with disabilities, kindergartners and those enrolled in pre-K classes.