Middlesex County has created a new financing program to help school districts fund critical capital improvement projects.
The Lease for Educational Advancement and Renovation Needs (LEARN) program will offer an alternative to traditional financing for school construction, facility upgrades, and capital maintenance. The program is expected to open to districts in early 2027.
“This program will strengthen our county’s educational system by helping districts address facility, operational, educational, and community needs through cost-effective financing,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios.
The County Board of Commissioners created the program in partnership with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA). The program builds on legislation enacted in 2024 that gives school districts greater flexibility to finance school construction and capital maintenance projects.
Under the program, the MCIA will serve as a conduit issuer. The financing will be repaid through lease payments made by participating districts to the county.
The MCIA also announced Seth Hahn’s appointment as the program’s director. Hahn previously served for six years in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, including five years as its executive director.
“Our goal is to help districts provide safe, functional, and future-ready facilities that support student achievement,” Hahn said.
