LEWISTOWN — While the closing weeks of the school year are often marked by celebration and reflection, the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology in Lewistown is preparing for another transition in leadership after action taken during the Operating Committee’s monthly meeting on Thursday.

The Operating Committee accepted the resignation of Administrative Director Laura Hicks, effective June 30, 2026, as she moves on to other employment. Her departure marks the third time in four years the Academy will be seeking a new top administrator.

The decision comes as the school continues to navigate both growth and operational demands, with committee members addressing a range of personnel, financial and program-related items during the meeting.

Leadership transition continues

The resignation of Hicks highlights ongoing turnover in the Academy’s leadership, a situation that has presented challenges for continuity in recent years. While no immediate successor was named during Thursday’s meeting, the search process is already well underway, according to Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner.

In related personnel matters, the committee approved:

• Hiring Robert E. King as a part-time custodian at an hourly rate of $15.12, retroactive to April 13, 2026;

• Appointed Betsy Casner as the Operating Committee secretary effective July 1, 2026, with a stipend of $1,650.

Operating committee membership change

With the recent move to an earlier start time, Mifflin County School District Board of Director Cody Wian replaced Jessica Baumgardner as a member of the Operating Committee. Wian previously served as an alternate, a role that is now filled by R. Brian Ketchum.

Budget approved with modest increase

The Operating Committee also approved the Academy’s 2026-27 general fund budget totaling $4,182,107, representing a 5.28% increase over the current year’s budget of $3,972,232.

Officials noted that much of the increase is tied to rising health insurance costs, a trend affecting school districts and institutions across the region.

Despite the increase, the budget reflects efforts to maintain programming and support services for students enrolled in the Academy’s career and technical education programs.

Graduation numbers

The Academy will graduate 118 students this year. Welding has the largest number of students at 21, followed by health professions (15), automotive technology and electrical installations (13), mechatronics (12), culinary arts (11), collision repair and cosmetology (7), precision machining (6), agricultural science and construction trades (5).

Student activities and field experiences

Committee members also approved several upcoming field trips and hands-on learning experiences, reinforcing the Academy’s emphasis on real-world education:

On May 14, 2026, nine agriculture sciences students completed a landscaping project at Don Julio Mexican Restaurant in Lewistown as part of a plant unit. The project provided students with practical experience outside the classroom.

On May 26, 2026, a Pre-K class and 32 students will travel to At The Barnyard, offering an interactive learning opportunity aligned with early childhood development studies.

Program investments

To support its growing Practical Nursing Program, the committee approved the purchase of new laptops at a total cost of $59,874.45. The equipment will be supplied by GDC IT Solutions, of Mechanicsburg, and is intended to enhance instruction and ensure students have access to up-to-date technology.

Next meeting

The next Operating Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5 p.m.