Receiving Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award on behalf of DCMO BOCES were Board President Vanessa Warren, Health & Safety Coordinator Jason Lawrence, Mental Health Coordinator Amanda Hoover, and Health & Safety staff Alison Bensley, Trevor Natoli, and Rick Shaw. (Submitted photo)


BINGHAMTON – 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 2024 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 42nd 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 Board President Vanessa Warren, Health & Safety Coordinator Jason Lawrence, Mental Health Coordinator Amanda Hoover, and Health & Safety staff Alison Bensley, Trevor Natoli, and Rick Shaw.

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 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 DCMO BOCES among them.”

Mr. Saville 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.”

DCMO BOCES co-sponsors a regional Health and Safety Summit for school administrators, teachers, school staff, emergency service and health and safety staff. This year’s event will take place on July 23 in Oneonta. For more information about the educational services and programs offered by DCMO BOCES, visit www.dcmoboces.com.

- Information from DCMO BOCES