For students in Anne Arundel County, the school year got off to a shaky start--literally--when an earthquake shook the region late afternoon Tuesday. The county opened schools on Tuesday--the first of the local jurisdictions--but classes were disrupted at 1:51 p.m. when the earthquake send trembles through the East Coast.

The remainder of the local systems are assessing what damage, if any, occured in their school buildings as they prepare to open schools next week. At least one Harford County high school reported a gas leak, and 23 schools in Baltimore County found light to moderate damage, such as cracks in exterior walls and displaced ceiling tiles. A Pasadena high school reported roof and other damage.

In Baltimore city, which has the oldest and most dilapidated school buildings in the state, 11 schools were identified by engineers Tuesday to have noted minor damage, particularly cracks in bricks, ceilings and stairwells, school officials said. The damages are not expected to impact city schools opening on Monday, Aug. 29.

School officials said that nothing appears to be structural or serious, but a second review of buildings was scheduled for Wednesday.

In our coverage of the earthquake today, building inspectors advise caution in the wake of the quake.