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Atlantic Cape College gets $2.82 million in county bond support as president warns of state cuts
Summary
The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners adopted a $2,820,126 bond ordinance to fund capital improvements at Atlantic Cape Community College after a presentation from college President Dr. Barbara Gaba, who warned a proposed $20 million state cut could create an $800,000 shortfall for the college.
The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a bond ordinance to appropriate $2,820,126 for capital improvements at Atlantic Cape Community College after a formal presentation by Dr. Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape.
Dr. Barbara Gaba told commissioners the college is celebrating its 60th anniversary and outlined program growth, partnerships with Stockton University, Arcadia University and Rutgers–Camden, and recent grant revenue. “If this happens, Atlantic Cape will suffer a shortfall from the state of $800,000,” Gaba said, referring to a proposed $20 million cut to community college funding in the state FY26 budget.
The ordinance, read into the record as providing $2,820,126 for fiscal year 2025 capital improvements at Atlantic Cape, passed on a roll call vote. That money was presented in Gaba’s remarks as tied to chapter 12 state aid and listed line items for campus projects: $1,890,000 for Worthington Atlantic City improvements; $185,000 for Mays Landing campus physical and system security upgrades; and $744,000 for mechanical and grounds improvements.
Nut graf: The county appropriation and the college’s grant-funded programs aim to shore up facilities and student supports as Atlantic Cape and other New Jersey community colleges press Trenton to restore proposed state funding. Gaba said grants and foundation fundraising have offset operating pressures but cautioned a further state cut could materially affect the college’s operating budget.
Gaba provided program details and recent outcomes: the nursing program reported a 93 percent pass rate on the NCLEX for registered nursing graduates and a 100 percent pass rate for a practical nursing certificate program. She said the college received over $3 million in grants in FY24 and more than $2.7 million in FY25 (with some grants pending). Gaba also described a partnership with Princeton University’s Transfer Scholars initiative and work to expand aviation training and transfer pathways for students.
Commissioners asked about enrollment and program costs. Commissioner Corsi pressed for enrollment figures and asked for a breakdown of how many students attend the Atlantic City campus versus the Mays Landing campus; Gaba said enrollment has declined slightly since last year and agreed to provide campus-specific headcounts and retention data to the commissioners.
Gaba described the college foundation’s fundraising: the foundation awarded nearly $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students last year and raised over $300,000 at a recent gala, which will support study-abroad opportunities for culinary students. She invited commissioners to commencement on May 22.
The ordinance supporting the capital appropriation was read and then approved by roll call during the meeting. Separately, commissioners advanced/approved other capital ordinances on the agenda, including a larger $23.3 million capital ordinance on final reading.
Ending: The college requested continued county advocacy as it presses state lawmakers to restore proposed budget cuts; commissioners asked staff to prepare a resolution from the education committee supporting the college’s funding priorities.
