Margate’s Board of Commissioners introduced a $4.2 million school bond ordinance aimed at funding three major capital improvement projects across the city’s public schools.
The ordinance was introduced during the commissioners’ meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5, following months of discussion at the school district level.
The proposal stems from a Nov. 12, 2025, Board of Education meeting and a subsequent Dec. 10 Board of School Estimate meeting held, when members agreed to formally request funding approval from the city.
Margate operates as a Type 1 school district, meaning school board members are appointed by the mayor and capital funding decisions require approval from the governing body. The Board of School Estimate is made up of the city’s three commissioners along with Board of Education President Joseph Pepe and Vice President Jack Sorensen.
Leon Costello, city and school district auditor, presented financial data showing the bond could be issued without increasing local taxes. He said officials were able to “find the sweet spot” that allows the projects to move forward without placing an added burden on taxpayers, OCNJ Daily reported.
Superintendent Ryan Gaskill warned that delaying the work could result in higher costs and more extensive construction in the future. He noted that waiting until the district’s current bonds are paid off in 2030 would likely make the projects more expensive and disruptive.
According to the ordinance (#03-2026), funding would be used for three separate projects, with bond proceeds drawn down only as needed.
The largest project involves repairs to the roof at William H. Ross Elementary School. Gaskill explained that the roof is still within a window where it can be resurfaced rather than fully replaced, a distinction that could save the district significant money. He said the work could be completed over the summer months to minimize disruption.
A second project calls for replacing solar panels on the Ross School roof. Gaskill said completing the work sooner would allow the district to take advantage of federal tax incentives that significantly reduce costs — which are set to expire for projects not already under construction by July 4.
The final project focuses on the Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Eugene A. Tighe Middle School, where a failing dimmer light rack needs replacement.
According to OCNJ Daily, Gaskill said replacement parts for the aging system are no longer available, resulting in a gradual loss of lighting functionality. He added that substantial funds have already been raised to replace a control board through a districtwide fundraising campaign, helping reduce the overall cost of the lighting project.
Costello recommended issuing temporary notes to finance the work until permanent bonding becomes possible in 2030. At that time, existing bonds will be fully paid off, resulting in a nearly $500,000 reduction in debt service. He said this would allow the city to permanently finance up to $10 million in projects without increasing the school tax rate, which currently stands at 2.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
The ordinance authorizes $3.5 million for roof repairs and $700,000 for PAC lighting upgrades, including all associated soft costs. A second reading and public comment is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at Historic City Hall, 1 S. Washington Ave.
At the same meeting, commissioners approved a resolution reimbursing the Save Lucy Committee $8,443 in taxes paid on its recently acquired gift shop property and authorized the solicitation of bids for an exclusive beach vending license for the 2026 and 2027 summer seasons.
