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Margate commissioners object to Broward school board's nonrenewal of SRO contracts
Summary
After a wave of emotional testimony about long‑standing school resource officers, the commission unanimously approved a resolution urging the school board to reverse its decision and asking for transparent transition planning and collaboration.
The City of Margate adopted a resolution formally objecting to the Broward County School Board's decision to not renew contracts for Margate's School Resource Officer (SRO) program for the 2026–27 school year, citing safety and continuity concerns.
"Our SROs are more than just officers — they are mentors to these students," Mayor Serio said in opening remarks before the vote. Dozens of parents and community members described long personal relationships with officers who work at Margate Elementary and Margate Middle and urged the commission to press the district to keep Margate officers in place or provide a careful transition. One public commenter read a statement describing Officer Tony Korecki's years of service and the trust children place in him: "Children run into him, not away from him."
Commissioners emphasized the absence of meaningful notice and the risk of an abrupt transition at the start of the school year. Commissioner Rosano said the notice from the school board was "dismissive" and promised to press county board members for answers; other commissioners said the city would support parents and principals in public advocacy. The clerk recorded a unanimous "yes" vote from the commission; the adopted resolution urges the school board to collaborate in good faith, provide transparency about school safety plans and consider options that retain Margate SROs or guarantee a smooth transition.
