Warrensburg Central School District is one of at least 160 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 2024 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. Warrensburg Central School District received its award at Utica National's 42nd school safety seminar, one of seven such seminars the company hosts in the state. For 50 years Utica National has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.

Warrensburg Central School District 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.

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 Instructions 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 Warrensburg Central 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 towards."