Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES recently was one of the schools and BOCES to win Utica National Insurance Group’s School Safety Excellence Award for 2024 at the Titanium with Honors level.
“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” said 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 Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES among them.”
The Safety Excellence Award is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ and BOCES’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. For 50 years, Utica National has helped keep kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in Upstate New York alone.
Herkimer BOCES received its award at Utica National’s 42nd school safety seminar on March 25. It was one of seven such seminars the company hosts in the state. Herkimer BOCES officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district's safety efforts and a check for $500 for use as reimbursement for and/or in connection with the school safety program.
Herkimer BOCES has a Safety Services program that leads safety efforts at Herkimer BOCES and component school district. The Safety Services team includes Supervisor of Safety Services Adam Hutchinson, School Safety Advisor James Garcia, School Facilities Advisor Donald Maxwell and PBIS Coordinator Kellie Maxwell.
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.
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,” Saville said.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES recently won Utica National Insurance Group’s School Safety Excellence Award for 2024 at the Titanium with Honors level. Pictured, the Herkimer BOCES Safety Services team poses with the award. From left: School Facilities Advisor Donald Maxwell, Supervisor of Safety Services Adam Hutchinson, School Safety Advisor James Garcia and PBIS Coordinator Kellie Maxwell.