Mount Markham Central School District is one of at least 157 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 2026 at the Titanium level.

This honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. Mount Markham received its award at Utica National’s 44th school safety seminar, one of six such seminars the company hosts in the state. For over 50 years, Utica National has kept kids and school staff safe and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.

Mount Markham Central School District officials accepted a certificate to commemorate the district’s safety efforts from Utica National representatives.

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 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 Mount Markham Central School District among them.”

Mr. Angelucci noted that, beyond the recognition itself, an added benefit to 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 toward.”