Anne Arundel school officials are expressing confusion over how their county executive failed to fund requested special education positions, negotiated contracts and staffing at the new elementary school in Gambrills.

“As I have said before, I am puzzled as to why this county ? one of the wealthiest counties in the wealthiest state in the nation ? continues to fund its educational system at a lower level than other nearby jurisdictions,” said Superintendent Kevin Maxwell in testimony before the Anne Arundel County Council on Friday.