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Washingtonville Central School District's ongoing commitment to safety has earned statewide recognition, with the district receiving Utica National Insurance Group's School Safety Excellence Award at the Titanium with Honors level for 2026.
The distinction places Washingtonville as one of the top school districts across New York State recognized this year for implementing comprehensive safety practices and programs.
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts' efforts to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. WCSD received its award at Utica National's 44th School Safety Seminar, one of six such seminars the company hosts across the state. For more than 50 years, Utica National has worked with schools on safety initiatives and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York.
WCSD officials accepted a certificate commemorating the district's safety efforts, as well as a $500 grant to support ongoing school safety initiatives.
“Safety is truly a district-wide effort, from the moment students step onto a school bus to their time in the classroom and participation in after-school activities,” said WCSD Director of Facilities Jack Rallo. “We are grateful to our Board of Education, staff and community for their ongoing support and cooperation in helping keep our schools safe for all students.”
Utica National's School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels — titanium, platinum and gold — through which schools can earn recognition by meeting specific criteria designed to enhance overall safety. Schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation and BOCES are evaluated across categories including bullying prevention programs, playground safety and other operational areas using specific, measurable benchmarks.
“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 Washingtonville Central School District among them.”