Margate Officials Push Back After School Board Ends SRO Contract for 2026-27 School Year

{City of Margate}

The School Board of Broward County has notified the City of Margate that it will not renew its School Resource Officer (SRO) services contract for the 2026-27 school year, prompting a strong objection from city officials who say the decision raises serious safety and financial concerns.

In an April 10 letter to Margate Police Chief Michael Palma, Broward County Schools Police Chief Kevin Nosowicz said the district “does not anticipate contracting for any SRO services from the City of Margate” beginning Aug. 10, 2026.

The move is part of broader changes tied to school closures, program transitions, and contract reductions, with some adjustments extending through Jan. 31, 2027.

Nosowicz acknowledged the contributions of Margate’s officers, writing that their “professionalism and commitment to school safety have been a meaningful contribution” to Broward schools.

However, Margate Mayor Antonio Arserio sharply criticized the decision in an April 13 response, calling it a “unilateral” action made without prior discussion or warning.

“The manner in which this decision was conveyed is unacceptable,” Arserio wrote, noting the notice was delivered late on a Friday afternoon without consultation. He said the move represents a breakdown in what has historically been a cooperative partnership between the city and the school district.

Arserio also raised concerns about the lack of a clear plan to maintain school safety in Margate schools once SROs are removed. He emphasized that the city has made significant investments in training and staffing to ensure officers serve not only as protectors but also as mentors on campuses.

The mayor further warned of the financial impact on Margate, estimating the change could impose a burden exceeding $400,000, while also complicating the city’s ability to plan for budget and personnel adjustments due to the short notice.

He wondered how they would communicate with the city and the police department.

“Will they share information? Will the school board have more lenient enforcement policies to pad numbers? If there is an emergency, will the school police operate on our police channel?”

“Eliminating the presence of SROs without a transparent and detailed replacement strategy raises serious concerns about the continuity and quality of safety services,” he wrote.

City officials are also questioning why Margate appears to be singled out, with Arserio noting that similar SRO agreements across Broward County remain in place. He called the absence of clear criteria or justification “deeply concerning” and demanded an explanation from the School Board.

Arserio is requesting an urgent meeting with Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn and School Board representatives within the next week. He is asking the district to provide a detailed rationale for the decision, a plan for maintaining school safety, and an opportunity to discuss alternatives, including reconsideration of the non-renewal.

“The City of Margate has been, and remains, committed to the safety of our shared community,” Arserio wrote. “However, decisions of this magnitude cannot be made in isolation, nor communicated in a manner that undermines intergovernmental coordination and trust.”

The School Board has not publicly responded to the mayor’s objections as of this report.

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