Academy approves security system upgrade, moves toward student-led installation

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology Operating Committee on Thursday approved a safety and security system upgrade funded with capital dollars that could include hands-on student work.

The board awarded a request for proposals for an integrated safety and security control system to DirecTec LLC, pending confirmation that the hardware and software meet compatibility requirements.

The upgrade comes as the Academy invests in campus safety while expanding opportunities for students to apply classroom skills in real-world settings.

The project will upgrade building security infrastructure, including systems that manage access and respond to emergencies. The agenda does not list a total cost, but officials said capital funds will be used.

For students and staff, the upgrade is expected to strengthen building safety and improve response capabilities in emergencies. For taxpayers, the project limits the need for additional local revenue while allowing the district to modernize aging systems.

Beyond safety, the project reflects a shift toward hands-on learning. Administrators said similar projects allow students to take part in real facility improvements, gaining practical experience while reducing outside labor costs.

The security upgrade was one of several items approved.

In a related update, officials highlighted a separate safety grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency that will fund exterior lighting improvements. Unlike traditional projects, that work will be completed by academy students, who will install poles, fixtures and lighting components as part of their training.

Officials said the approach allows the school to stretch grant dollars while giving students direct industry experience.

The board amended its meeting schedule proposal, keeping meetings at their current location and moving the start time to 5:00 p.m.

The committee approved a 260-day calendar for the 2026-27 school year and authorized service contracts for the upcoming fiscal year.

Much of the meeting focused on program updates that underscored the Academy’s emphasis on hands-on education.

Principal Mark Crossen reported a 91.7% attendance rate and a 96% pass rate for the third marking period, with total enrollment at 395 students.

Administrators highlighted growing interest in technical programs, including precision machining, where students are producing real parts with measurable market value.

The health professions program update included new initiatives such as simulated patient appointments, expanded lab simulations and job-shadowing experiences in local health care settings.

Students said the experiences build communication skills and prepare them for real-world patient interaction, particularly in unfamiliar or high-pressure environments.

The program continues to emphasize co-op placements, which often lead to employment. One student said her placement led to a part-time job after graduation, and administrators said similar outcomes are common.

The practical nursing program reported strong outcomes as well, including an 83.3% current pass rate and a 100% pass rate for its most recent September cohort.

Enrollment remains stable, with a typical seasonal dip followed by strong interest heading into the fall class.

The Academy has leaned into project-based learning and industry partnerships in recent years, aligning programs with workforce needs in health care, manufacturing and skilled trades.

Thursday’s actions, particularly the security upgrade and student-led facilities work, reflect that model. Rather than relying solely on outside contractors, the school continues to integrate infrastructure projects into its curriculum when possible.

That approach allows students to graduate with certifications and applied experience, which administrators say improves job placement rates.