LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology in Lewistown is scheduled to open its doors for the new school year on Monday, Aug. 25.

School officials are excited about the upcoming 2025-26 school year as the current enrollment of 442 students has exceeded previous figures released in March. The previous March 2025 count was 395 students.

Academy Principal Mark Crosson said enrollment for the following programs are at full capacity: auto mechanics technology; cosmetology, early childhood education, construction trades, health professions and welding technology.

“That’s a good thing,” Crosson told the members of the Academy’s Operating Committee during its monthly meeting on Thursday night at the school, located at 700 Pitt St. in Lewistown.

“We’re very excited about the program that are full,” Crosson added.

He also said several programs have seen growth in enrollment. Early childhood has increased 16 percent from March 2025, while culinary arts is up 10 percent and cosmetology seven percent.

Of the 442 students, 348 are from the Mifflin County School District and 94 are from the Juniata County School District, according to the Academy’s enrollment report. Of the 94 Juniata County students, 65 attend Juniata High School and 29 are from East Juniata High School.

The 442 students are evenly divided with 220 students in morning classes and 216 in afternoon classes. There are also six all-day seniors.

Personnel matters

The Operating Committee approved the following personnel matters:

• Updating job descriptions for the student services secretary, formerly known as the child accounting secretary; full-time practical nursing secretary, which used to be a part-time secretary; and a health room aide. The job duties were updated to reflect all the responsibilities assigned to the position;

• Resignation of Jessica M. Smith, child accounting secretary, effective July 9, 2025; and Lauren Johnston, simulation assistant, effective Aug. 22, 2025;

• Hiring Hope L. Lewis, student services secretary, pending completion of new hire paperwork and clearances.

New parent orientation

New parent orientation at the Academy is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Contracts

Approved annual contract with Melissa Heller, financial aid consultant

Next meeting

The Thursday, Sept. 11 meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. due to the school’s LPN graduation.