Principal Mr. Cross told the board the Principal’s Cabinet—student representatives nominated by teachers—has begun meeting and that the group raised items including military engagement opportunities and safety-protocol input. He said the academy is arranging visits by military branches in February so students can see how trade skills transfer to service careers; Mr. Cross cited an example of a Navy electronics technician describing electronics work on ballistic systems as a career path for students in electronics and mechatronics programs.

Mr. Cross highlighted live-work projects that have given students hands-on experience: construction trades and electrical students completed framing, drywall and wiring in the collision-repair classroom, and welding students produced a token presented to board members. He said co-op and industry partners such as First Quality provide scaled-model and in-facility experiences; he noted that students had built a scaled-down assembly-line model in collaboration with engineers.

On enrollment and attendance, Mr. Cross said second-quarter attendance reporting for co-op students currently shows the report is about "93.11%" accurate and that 115 students had signed up for second-look tours (students pick two programs and spend an hour in each). He said some programs (welding, electrical, nursing) show slightly lower internal numbers in parts of the service area this year, but several programs remain at or near capacity.

Director Mrs. Hicks invited board members to a Celebrate CTE event during National CTE Month in February, noting the academy will host a tour and a dinner prepared by culinary students that draws on local Mifflin County farms and businesses and may broaden to include vendors from Juniata County. She also reported two field trips: mechatronics students will visit First Quality under a strong partnership that has provided co-op opportunities and hands-on learning.

Board members asked clarifying questions about program capacity and recruitment; administrators said they are tracking attendance and enrollment and will continue outreach with guidance counselors and partner employers.