The Niskayuna Central School District is one of 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 Gold level.
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. Niskayuna Central School District received its award at Utica National’s 41st school safety seminar.
Niskayuna Central School District officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district’s safety efforts from Utica National representatives.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors is always our top priority, and we are proud to have our efforts recognized by Utica National,” said Superintendent of Schools Carl Mummenthey. “Most importantly, the award’s metrics will serve as a benchmark to guide our continued efforts to improve safety. The entire district team is committed to ensuring our schools are safe and healthy learning environments for all of our students.”
Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels – titanium, platinum, and gold – in which schools can earn distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. 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,” 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 Niskayuna Central School District among them.”