DCMO BOCES is one of 160 BOCES and local school districts in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group’s “School Safety Excellence Award” for 2025 at the “Titanium with Honors” level. DCMO BOCES has been recognized with this award more than 20 times, an acknowledgement of their ongoing commitment to school safety.
The awards are presented annually and recognize school districts’ safety efforts as they work to keep students, staff and visitors safe. DCMO BOCES received its award at Utica National’s 43rd school safety seminar, held recently in Binghamton. DCMO BOCES received a certificate to commemorate the district’s safety efforts, along with a check for $500 for use supporting the school safety program. Accepting the award on behalf of DCMO were Deputy Superintendent Patty Gallaher, Director of Finance Randy Pryor, Health & Safety Coordinator Jason Lawrence, Director of Special Education Sara Stafford, and Health & Safety staff Alison Bensley, Johnson Joseph, Hannah Foster and Rick Shaw.“DCMO BOCES has a strong commitment to providing safe schools for our students and staff. Our Health & Safety and Operations and Maintenance teams work together to ensure this. For many years, DCMO has earned the School Safety Excellence Award, and since 2018 at the Titanium level,” Lawrence said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of these teams, indeed of all staff, to maintaining the highest standards for a safe environment for all. We are honored to accept this award again.”
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 and BOCES districts are evaluated in categories that include bullying prevention, playground safety and other areas, measured using specific, quantifiable surveys.
“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” explained Mark Angelucci, Senior Vice President and Head of Utica National’s Specialty Lines. “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 DCMO BOCES among them.”
Mr. Angelucci noted that, beyond the recognition itself, an added benefit of following the safety program is the chance to pinpoint 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.”