Safety Efforts Earn New York Mills UFSD Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award

New York Mills Union Free School District is one of at least 165 school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group's "School Safety Excellence Award" for 2023 at the Titanium with Honors level. 

The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts' safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. New York Mills Union Free School District received its award at Utica National's 41st school safety seminar, one of seven such seminars the company hosts in the state. 

New York Mills Union Free School District officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district's safety efforts and a $500 award for use in furthering those efforts from Utica National representatives. Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels: titanium, platinum, and gold - in which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. Through the program, schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys. 

President in Utica National's Educational Institutions Unit. "Districts that go ‘above and beyond' to provide a safe, healthy and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we're pleased to count New York Mills Union Free School District among them." Mr. Saville noted that, beyond the recognition itself, an added benefit of following the safety program is the chance to pinpoint specific threats to safety. "The time to address those threats is before a loss happens, which really helps contribute to the safety culture that districts are working toward."