Averill Park Central School District received the Utica National Insurance Group’s “School Safety Excellence Award” for 2020 at the Titanium with Honors level, which is the highest level for this award.
APCSD officials accepted a plaque to commemorate the district’s safety efforts and a $500 award for use in furthering those efforts from Utica National representatives.
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ outstanding efforts to create a safer school environment. For more than 45 years, Utica National has kept students and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.
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.
Pictured, from left, with this year’s award is Aaron Heffner (Director of Facilities and Maintenance), Michael Ouimet (Assistant Superintendent for Business) and Sam Beardsley (Health and Safety Specialist).