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BY GREG WILLIAMS
Sentinel reporter
gwilliams@lewistownsentinel.com
LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
Construction hasn't started on its planned expansion, but pre-bid estimates have been received. School officials hope to gain land development approvals within two weeks for the $9.4 million project.
At the same time, the Academy is adding more programs to its course offerings, including welding this year and diesel and HVAC courses for the 2025-26 school year.
The Academy also could expand its Emergency Medical Technician courses, holding an EMT Summit in April and a fire chief's meeting on Sept. 25 to gain feedback from professionals in the field. Proposals were discussed during the Operating Committee's monthly meeting at the Academy, 700 Pitt St., Lewistown, Thursday night.
"The purpose of those two meetings was to address the shortage of local firemen and firewomen and the EMTs - emergency response personnel - in our local area," Academy Administrative Director Barry W. King said. "From the EMT Summit last spring, it was pretty much a consensus that we start a program here that addresses that."
Classes would focus on homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting and related protective services. There is instructional space available with the elimination of the futures program, King said.
Since the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy is located in Lewistown, school officials believe that could be a valuable resource in expanding or adding courses.
With an existing adult EMT program, the Academy already has much of the equipment on hand that would be needed to operate the program.
If the Academy were to create a fire curriculum, school officials said they would likely seek assistance from local fire companies.
Personnel updates
The Operating Committee approved the following personnel matters for the 2023-24 school year:
· Academy Principal Gary Heverly Jr. as the school safety officer.
· Construction teacher Larry Winn and electrical teacher Steven Hogle Jr. as co-coordinators for Habitat for Humanity until June 30, 2024, at a stipend of $2,500 each; and National Association of Home Builders advisors, at a stipend of $2,100 each.
· Agricultural education teacher Nicolette Cusate as FFA advisor, at a stipend of $2,100.
· Shelly Waters as Skills USA advisor, at a stipend of $2,100.
· Jennifer Jackson as National Technical Honor Society advisor, at a stipend of $2,100.
· Health professionals teacher Jillian Wright as Future Health Professions advisor, prorated to commencement of student meetings and registration.
· Dr. Kristine Sunday, Educator's Rising (Early Childhood Education/Teaching Academy), prorated to commencement of student meetings and registration.
· Thomas Sarosi Jr. as part-time Emergency Medical Services Course coordinator/instructor, upon receipt of required documentation.
· A list of recommended Occupational Advisory Committee members.
Career exploration days
Career exploration and recruitment days for area students to learn about the Academy. The schedule is:
· Mifflin County Junior High School - presentations, Nov. 14-15; ninth-grade tours, Dec. 12-13, with make-up date of Dec. 19; closer look sign-ups, Jan. 9-10, 2024; and closer looks, Jan. 23, 2024, with make-up date of Jan. 30, 2024.
· Juniata High School - presentations, Nov. 17; ninth grade tours, Dec. 14, with make-up date of Dec. 18; closer look sign-ups, Jan. 11, 2024; and closer looks, Jan. 25, 2024, with make-up date of Jan. 31, 2024.
· East Juniata High School - presentations, Nov. 16; ninth grade tours, Dec. 11, with make-up date of Dec. 15; closer look sign-ups, Jan. 12, 2024; and closer looks, Jan. 25, 2024, with make-up date of Jan. 31, 2024.
Field trips
The Operating Committee approved field trips for:
· Early childhood education students, East Derry Elementary School, Lewistown, on Oct. 12; and Penn-Mont Academy, Hollidaysburg, on Oct. 26.
· Precision Machine and Advanced Manufacturing Club students, Manufacturing Expo, York, on Nov. 19.
Greenhouse renovation
The renovation project for the Academy's greenhouse is underway. The glass panes have been removed and replaced with polycarbonate panes on both sides.
The Operating Committee approved an $8,879 estimate for McClure Co., 2929 Stewart Dr., State College, to extend the gas line from Collision Repair shop to Agriculture Education to heat the greenhouse.
Maintenance news
· Repairs have been completed to the back-up lighting generator.
· Estimates are needed to repair broken glass on the exterior doors and entry door to welding.