Byron-Bergen Central School District is one of at least 145 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 2022 at the Titanium with Honors level.
“The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Patrick McGee. “I’m proud to work alongside our School Resource Officer Josh Brabon, our diligent Buildings & Grounds crew, and all of the faculty and staff who strive, every day, to make Byron-Bergen a safe space for our community.”
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. Byron-Bergen Central School District received its award at Utica National’s 40th school safety seminar. Utica National insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.
Byron-Bergen Central 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.
“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” explained Brian Saville, Senior Vice 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 Byron-Bergen Central School District among them.”
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