Middlesex County, NJ Breaks Ground on Innovation Magnet School at Middlesex College

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Middlesex County, NJ – Middlesex County officials, in partnership with Middlesex County Magnet Schools, marked a significant milestone on Monday, March 3, with the groundbreaking of the Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School at Middlesex College. The new state-of-the-art high school aims to advance the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, reinforcing a commitment to education, workforce development, and economic growth.

The new facility, located on the newly named Innovation Way at Middlesex College, will be the sixth high school in the Middlesex County Magnet School district and is scheduled to open in fall 2026. The 75,550-square-foot school will offer specialized academic programs in engineering, robotics, energy-efficient systems, data networking, and agricultural sustainability, aligning with evolving workforce demands and expanding opportunities for students across the County.

The construction contract for the project has been awarded to DOBCO, the lowest responsible bidder, at a total project cost of $42,215,000. The construction will proceed under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), ensuring that the school is built entirely by union labor. The project is funded through state, federal, and County resources, leveraging Middlesex County’s AAA bond rating, which has been maintained for over 23 consecutive years—allowing the County to make this investment without incurring additional debt.

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Among the notable attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony were Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Middlesex County Magnet Schools Superintendent Jorge Diaz, Middlesex County Magnet Schools Board of Education President Keith Jones II, and Middlesex County Building and Construction Trades Council President Bernie Cooke.

“Innovation is at the core of everything we do at Middlesex County,” said Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “The new Innovation Magnet School will foster outstanding learning, creativity, and exploration, but most importantly, it will create opportunities—helping students reach their highest potential.”

Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, emphasized the significance of the school in shaping the future workforce. “Being a Middlesex County resident has extraordinary value. This new public high school will provide students with unique curricula designed to develop competitive skillsets, ensuring they are prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the future workforce.”

Superintendent Jorge Diaz highlighted the importance of the new school as part of an evolving education system. “As we break ground on the sixth school within our distinguished Magnet School district, we are not just adding another building—we are pioneering the future of learning. These career programs have been strategically developed to meet the changing workforce and technological advancements.”

Middlesex County Magnet Schools Board of Education President Keith Jones II emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “This partnership between the Board of County Commissioners and Middlesex College leadership exemplifies what can be achieved when dedicated institutions work together toward a common goal: providing high-quality education that is accessible to all.”

The Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School will not only offer cutting-edge academic programs but will also collaborate with Middlesex College to enable students to earn college credits at no cost while still in high school.

Career-focused programs will include:

• Sustainable Construction and Environmental Technology
• Sustainable Energy Technology
• Logistics, Robotics, and Drone Technology
• Information, Communications, and Cybersecurity Technology
• Biotechnology and Plant Science

The Innovation Magnet School is a key component of the CIO Strategic Investment Plan, a transformative initiative announced in November 2022. The plan aims to turn Middlesex College into a dynamic hub for education, workforce development, recreation, arts, and community engagement while fostering economic growth and expanding opportunities for residents and businesses.

Key projects under the CIO Strategic Investment Plan include:

• A new public high school – Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School
• A Multipurpose Communication Venue, which broke ground in January 2025
• A new Middlesex College Student Center, which broke ground in January 2025
• A Workforce Development and Conference Center
• A Community Park with an educational children’s amenity
• A Destination Athletic Complex, featuring 14 multi-sport synthetic fields, 16 tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art recreational cricket field
• Enhancements to outdoor public spaces, including public art, seating, and water features

The Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School represents a forward-thinking investment in education and workforce development, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive, technology-driven future. With construction now underway, Middlesex County is taking a major step toward transforming its educational landscape and preparing students for the evolving workforce of tomorrow.

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