Gilbertsville-Mount Upton recently received its 17th School Safety Excellence Award in recognition of the school district’s efforts to keep students, staff and visitors safe. Presented along with a check for $500 during the Utica National Insurance Group’s 42nd school safety seminar, GMU earned a Titanium with Honors level award for the 14th consecutive year.

GMU earned Platinum status in its first year in the program in 2004. After a four-year hiatus, GMU returned to the program in 2009 and received another Platinum award. A Titanium award followed in 2010, and GMU has earned Titanium with Honors every year since.

"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 the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District among them."

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.

GMU Transportation Supervisor Harold Ives (left) and Facilities Director Alan Digsby (right), pictured with Superintendent Annette Hammond, were instrumental in providing the paperwork, background and statistics required to be considered for an award. The $500 check is a bonus to be used as reimbursement for and/or in connection with the school safety program.

Utica National insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York and has helped keep students, staff and visitors safe in school for 50 years.

 

Utica National Insurance Group School Safety Excellence Awards earned by the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District. GMU has received an award every year it has participated in the program (did not participate from 2005-2008).

2004: Platinum

2009: Platinum

2010: Titanium

2011: Titanium with Honors

2012: Titanium with Honors

2013: Titanium with Honors

2014: Titanium with Honors

2015: Titanium with Honors

2016: Titanium with Honors

2017: Titanium with Honors

2018: Titanium with Honors

2019: Titanium with Honors

2020: Titanium with Honors

2021: Titanium with Honors

2022: Titanium with Honors

2023: Titanium with Honors

2024: Titanium with Honors