2022 State of the County reaffirms County’s robust fiscal health and residents’ quality of life With that same eye toward
Middlesex County Magnet Schools awarded $300k in federal funding for new workforce training program
In early April, Middlesex County leaders gathered for the annual State of the County address, which was held in-person for the first time in two years. The event, which took place at the Carteret Performing Arts Center with more than 200 County residents, business leaders, students, and government officials in attendance, featured an address from Board of County Commissioners Director
initiatives specifically focused on revitalizing the education system, continuing to build programs centered around the health and wellness of residents, and ensuring Middlesex County is the best place to live, work, and play for all. Focusing on quality of life for all Middlesex County will work to ensure the County remains the best place to live, work, and play for future
building a better future for all, in 2022 the Board of County Commissioners will create an office within the County’s organizational structure dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The County will partner with a firm to perform an evaluation of internal and external functions, policies, and programs, with the firm recommending any relevant compliance areas and strategies to be implemented to better incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into the County.
County residents interested in pursuing careers in the agricultural and seafood industries will have new opportunities to expand their education thanks to an innovative workforce training program launching soon at Middlesex County Magnet Schools. The Agricultural and Aquacultural Workforce Training Program will focus on agricultural and seafood industry workforce development and help address food insecurity in Middlesex County. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., the Magnet Schools were awarded $300,200 in federal funding from a spending bill signed in March 2022. This funding will allow the school system to expand work-based learning and industry partnerships while also enabling students to grow fresh vegetables for distribution to families in Middlesex County.
In addition to learning about cutting-edge farming and fishing methods, students will also have the opportunity to learn about food innovation and the various aspects of food sales and distribution. The funding was announced via a press conference in May. Congressman Pallone, Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Magnet School Superintendent Jorge Diaz, and others spoke to the benefits of this program for the school system and the entire community.
Ronald G. Rios. In his remarks, County Commissioner
Middlesex County has been on a transformative journey over the last decade centered on making strategic business decisions to improve our overall fiscal health and investing in the vital services we provide our residents, all laddering up to our Destination 2040 master plan,” – Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios .
generations by investing in renewable energy technologies and collaborating with mayors and municipal stakeholders to improve
Director Rios provided an update on the County’s finances, sharing that
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despite the global pandemic and the economic challenges of the past two years, Middlesex County grew its surplus fund to nearly $89 million and decreased its debt by more than $10 million. This surplus, combined with the County’s receipt of the coveted AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, reaffirms Middlesex County’s robust fiscal health. He also spoke about the County’s plans for 2022 and beyond, including its commitment to its residents through programs and
residents’ safety through Vision Zero initiatives that will greatly reduce “preventable” traffic deaths and serious injuries.
Magnet Schools from page 6 The Middlesex County Magnet Schools name more accurately reflects the broad Magnet Schools make the rank
The Middlesex County Vocational Technical Schools are now known as the Middlesex County Magnet Schools. The new logo and brand identity was unveiled in June 2022.
spectrum of specialized learning opportunities and innovative programs the district currently offers. In addition to Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies and Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health, MCMS includes East Brunswick Technical High
School, Perth Amboy Technical High School, and Piscataway Technical High School. The district also offers a robust adult education program.
Spring 2022
Your Middlesex
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