A. Michael Durn

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology in Lewistown will enter a new era of leadership this summer, as A. Michael Durn — a former assistant principal at Mifflin County High School — was formally approved Thursday night as the Academy’s next administrative director.

The Academy’s Operating Committee voted to appoint Durn to the position effective July 1, 2026, at a salary of $108,035. In addition to his leadership role, Durn was also approved to serve as the Academy’s school safety and security coordinator, a dual appointment reflecting an emphasis on both academic leadership and student safety.

Durn will succeed administrative director Laura Hicks, whose final day with the Academy is set for June 30, 2026. Hicks, who was hired in August 2024, is stepping down after two years marked by stability, growth, and renewed momentum for career and technical education programs serving students from Mifflin and Juniata counties.

District leaders credited Hicks with guiding the Academy through a period of transition while strengthening its core mission.

Hicks followed longtime director Barry W. King and brought more than 20 years of experience in workforce development and career and technical education to the role. Colleagues say she established a collaborative tone early, balancing a clear vision with a willingness to listen to staff, students, and partner districts.

Her tenure also coincided with continued student success in regional, state and national competitions as well as a renewed focus on positioning career and technical education as a primary pathway rather than an alternative option.

While Hicks’ departure marks the end of an important chapter, Thursday’s approval of Durn signals a transition focused on continuity and continued growth.

With experience in school leadership and familiarity with the district, Durn is expected to build on the Academy’s existing strengths while advancing its mission of preparing students for both college and careers.

As the Academy moves forward, its focus remains on expanding opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring students graduate with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in an evolving workforce.

Crosson contract extended

The Operating Committee also extended the contract of acting principal Mark Crosson from July 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026, to provide the Mifflin County School District Board of Directors more time to evaluate the need for the position at the Academy.

His rate remains at a salary of $350 per day.

Crosson’s initial hiring was necessitated by the resignation of Gary Heverly Jr., who had served as the Academy’s principal since Aug. 10, 2023. Previously, Crosson served as principal at Mifflin County High School until his retirement at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

“You bring a tremendous amount of expertise to this position and have a good-working relationship all-around, so we’re looking for good things here,” former Operating Committee member Diane Stewart said at a September 2024 meeting.

Student experiences and partnerships

Under Hicks’ leadership, the Academy expanded its emphasis on hands-on, career-connected learning. During the 2025-26 school year, students participated in 248 total experiential learning opportunities, including 75 job shadow experiences, 43 co-op placements, 35 internships, and 95 college visits.

Health Professions and Early Childhood Education programs led overall participation with 78 and 75 experiences respectively, while Electrical Installations, Welding and Mechatronics also demonstrated steady engagement.

At the same time, the Academy strengthened its relationships with local business and industry partners. A total of 29 businesses participated in job shadow programs, including nine new partners, while 32 companies hosted co-op students — 18 of them are new additions.

The impact of those partnerships was evident in hiring outcomes. Of the students participating in co-op experiences, 29 were ultimately hired by their placement employers, highlighting the Academy’s direct connection to workforce development and local industry needs.

Operating Committee President Mark Baker pointed to that success as a reflection of community support.

“That says a lot about our community and their support for what you folks do here,” Baker explained.

The Academy also continues to build pathways beyond high school through partnerships with Central Pennsylvania Institute and Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Johnstown.

These programs offer students opportunities to pursue credentials or college coursework in fields such as advanced manufacturing, culinary arts, medical assisting and entrepreneurship while still enrolled.

Additional approvals

In addition to Durn’s appointment, the Operating Committee approved several other items during Thursday night’s meeting:

Members approved the Academy’s 2026-27 Perkins Grant budget in the amount of $200,756. The funding will support equipment purchases and program improvements aligned with federal career and technical education standards, with authorization to proceed upon receipt of funds.

The committee also approved retaining Saxton and Stump as special legal counsel for the upcoming school year.

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A salary adjustment for instructor Travis J. McCullough following his attainment of Career and Technical Instruction I certification. McCullough will be placed at Vocational I, Step 1, with a salary of $49,700, prorated for the 2025-26 school year.

Next meeting

The Operating Committee will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. A meeting is not currently scheduled for July.