Duanesburg honored with Safety Excellence Award

April 2, 2010—In recognition of its rigorous safety program, the Duanesburg Central School District has received a “2010 School Safety Excellence Award” from the Utica National Insurance Group. Duanesburg is one of 112 school districts and BOCES in New York State to receive such an award.

“We are very proud and honored to receive this award,” said Business Administrator Brenda Kane. “Safety is a top priority in our schools and we have been working hard to expand and improve upon our efforts over the past few years.”

For example, a buzzer system was installed at the elementary school earlier this school year to secure building access. In an effort to further ensure student safety as well as to minimize classroom disruptions, elementary school parents who drop their children off at school may accompany them to the main office, but students now walk independently to their classroom—without the assistance of their parents.

“We want to be sure that students, faculty and staff members are safe and feel comfortable when they are here,” added Kane.

The district’s safety program also incorporates a Safety Committee, which meets monthly to evaluate all aspects of school life related to safety.

For the past several years, the district has been fortunate to have a School Resource Officer, Chip Johnstone, stationed part-time at the middle/high school. Students see him as an advisor, a positive role model and someone they can trust to help them through difficult times. However, the governor has proposed reassigning SROs to road patrol. If you oppose this measure, find out how to join our letter-writing campaign.

Utica National’s safety program helps school districts enhance overall safety through measurable assessments. The insurance company rates schools in 17 different safety categories—assessing everything from school playground safety to indoor air quality with specific quantifiable data-gathering surveys.

School districts must complete a lengthy application form and submit documentation to describe how various safety issues are being addressed or would be addressed should an emergency arise.

“It is with great pleasure that we recognize those schools that not only take safety to heart, but go above and beyond to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning,” said Utica National's Regional Manager James Kristoff.