Middlesex County Launches School Financing Program

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), has created a new financing program to help school districts fund and deliver critical capital improvement projects.

The Lease for Educational Advancement and Renovation Needs (LEARN) Program will provide Middlesex County school districts with an alternative to traditional financing for projects such as school construction, facility upgrades, and capital maintenance. The program is expected to open to school 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 G. Rios. "With the LEARN Program, school districts will be able to leverage the MCIA's financing and project management expertise."

The MCIA also announced Seth Hahn's appointment as the program's director.

The program is designed to encourage long-term planning, project readiness, and efficient project delivery. Districts will be encouraged to align proposed improvements with their Long-Range Facilities Plans and established educational objectives.

"Our goal is to help districts provide safe, functional, and future-ready facilities that support student achievement," Hahn said.

Under the program, the MCIA will serve as a conduit issuer, arranging financing for approved projects. The financing will be repaid through lease payments made by participating school districts to the County.

"Working with the County, the MCIA will establish a transparent, efficient, and collaborative process to help school districts move needed projects from concept to completion," said MCIA Executive Director H. James Polos. "The program will maximize public resources while minimizing administrative burdens."

Polos added, "regional strategies such as the LEARN Program can create greater efficiencies and cost savings. They also reflect our belief that innovation and collaboration create opportunity."

The program builds on legislation enacted in 2024 that gives school districts greater flexibility to finance school construction and capital maintenance projects.

Before the program launches, the County and MCIA will hold stakeholder meetings with community, business, and academic representatives, including local education officials, superintendents, school board members, professional advisors, and state officials. The discussions will help shape the program and maximize its impact on Middlesex County's educational system.

Hahn previously served for six years in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office, including five years as its executive director. As the top staff member to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, he served as the lead staff negotiator on six state budgets spanning two governors. He also led efforts to expand access to paid family leave, enact landmark affordable housing legislation, and increase ballot access and election transparency.

A graduate of Princeton University, Hahn lives in Highland Park with his wife, their two children, and their German Shepherd-Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.

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