Sentinel file photo
The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology’s Operating Committee met on Thursday.

LEWISTOWN — Plans to expand industry-recognized certifications for students at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology were among the items reviewed Thursday night by the school’s Operating Committee.

Academy administrators reported that a comprehensive review of Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved industry credentials began in October. As part of that process, the Academy plans to apply for three new certifications for the electrical program. In addition, seven to eight school-wide programs with existing approvals have been identified for expansion of current credential offerings.

Industry credentials for the first half of the year are being reported by Jan. 19. The Academy’s 2026-27 program guide has been completed and updated, and staff attended the DATA Summit to explore opportunities for more efficient reporting of credentialing and other performance indicators. The Academy is also in the process of a PDE CATS approval review to ensure all credentials remain current.

Attendance, grades and program projects

Academy Principal Mark Crosson reported that third-marking period attendance stood at 91.7%, while the student pass rate was 96%. Crosson also reviewed three-year project summaries for each Academy program.

Upcoming school events

• Several upcoming dates were highlighted on the Academy calendar. They included:

• Family Night for new and current Academy families will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Academy, located at 700 Pitt St., Lewistown.

• Signing Day and Class Awards will be held during the school day at the Lewistown Armory, 1101 N. Walnut St., Lewistown.

• The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, beginning at 7 p.m. at Mifflin County High School, 501 Sixth St., Lewistown.

Upcoming Student Field Trips

The committee reviewed multiple student field trips planned for spring 2026:

Big Valley FFA will attend the State Officers Candidate School on Wednesday, April 15, at Cumberland Valley High School, with Nicolette Cusate chaperoning seven students.

Ag Sciences students will participate in the Mifflin/Juniata County Envirothon on Wednesday, April 22, with Cusate chaperoning 10 students.

HOSA students will travel to Penn State University on Friday, May 1, for an anatomy lecture, chaperoned by Jill Wright and Stacey Wertz-Mann.

Culinary students will visit Reading Terminal Market on Wednesday, May 6, with Travis McCullough and additional chaperones supervising 22 students.

CTSO members will attend a wellness day at Knoebels Amusement Resort on Friday, May 15, with approximately 90 students chaperoned by Shelly Waters and additional staff.

Operating Committee meeting time and date changes

The committee recommended approval to move Operating Committee meetings to 5 p.m. at the Academy, scheduled immediately before regularly planned Mifflin County School District Committee of the Whole meetings. A revised meeting schedule will be posted in accordance with Sunshine Law requirements.

Committee member Jessica E. Baumgardner voted against the proposal because she could not make the earlier meeting time. She said she would step down from serving on the committee, and she would be replaced by alternate committee member Cody Wian.

Additional business

The committee approved the 260-day school calendar for the 2026-27 school year.

Members also recommended awarding the request for proposals for integrated safety and security control systems to DirecTec LLC, of Hollsapple, Somerset County, pending receipt of documentation confirming compatible hardware and software compliance. Capital funds will be used for the upgrade.

Next meeting

The Operating Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 21, starting at 5 p.m., at the Academy.