LEWISTOWN — When it comes to the health and safety of its students, the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology ranks that at the top of its list.

As part of that commitment to maintaining a safe-learning environment, the Academy conducted a routine six-month Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act inspection in November 2024.

During that recent inspection, it was discovered that the sealant tape on two elbow joints for HVAC ductwork, which was original to the building and located in the precision machining and construction trades areas, were identified as having the potential to pose an asbestos exposure risk in the future.

In a letter sent to students’ parents and guardians dated Dec. 20, 2024, Academy Administrative Director Laura Hicks said, “While there was no immediate hazard or release of asbestos, it was recommended during the post-inspection review that a preventative abatement be completed.”

To minimize the disruption to the school students, the abatement team successfully completed the safe removal of the affected materials on Dec. 30, 2024. Comprehensive air quality testing was also conducted in both areas after the abatement.

The Academy was closed for several days after asbestos was discovered when a chalkboard in the construction trades classroom was removed last August.

This was one of updates that was discussed at the Academy’s monthly Operating Committee meeting on Thursday night.

The maintenance report also included that work has been ongoing for flushing the Variable Air Volume, throughout the building for more efficient heating.

Additionally, the maintenance staff is working on updating the rest of the old-style door locks to Best brand locks.

In other news:

Agriculture and Big Valley FFA award winners

Jacket recipients for 2025 included: Aubrey Smith, Taylor Rhoades, Lily Goss, Abbie Fitzgerald, Sebastian Kauffman, Nathan McCahren, Miley Kohler and Lillian Seaholtz. The students had to complete an application answering a series of questions.

Members were matched with local community sponsors to pay for their jackets.

Eight students also received Keystone Degrees: Hayley Carson, Olivia Fisher, Brooke Jenkins, Rylee Jenkins, Claudia Rheam, Savannah Oden, Montana McKee and Alivia Snook.

To earn their degrees, FFA members had to meet a list of requirements. Students were supposed to receive their jackets at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show; however, the storm cancelled school as well as the planned trip.

School calendar approved

The Operating Committee approved the Academy’s 2025-26 school calendar, which has school starting on Monday, Aug. 25 and ending on Friday, May 29. The Academy’s calendar mirrors the schedule for the Mifflin County School District.

The operating committee will meet again at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Encore Room at the Academy, located at 700 Pitt St., Lewistown.