Questar III received a plaque from Utica National Insurance Group to commemorate the organization’s safety efforts. Pictured is Questar III District Superintendent Dr. Gladys Cruz and Director of Health & Safety Craig Hansen.
Questar III is one of 145 Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and school districts in New York State to receive the Utica National Insurance Group’s “School Safety Excellence Award” for 2016. The honor is presented annually and recognizes school safety efforts as BOCES and districts work to help keep students, staff and visitors safe.
Utica National officials presented a titanium award to Craig Hansen, Questar III’s director of health and safety, at its 36th annual school safety seminar in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Hansen credited the work of Questar III staff in achieving this honor for the eighth consecutive year.
“This award recognizes the collective efforts of Questar III and its staff. From the administration to building-level programs, we all strive to ensure that the safety of our students, staff and visitors is our number one priority,” said Hansen.
Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels – titanium, platinum and goal – in which schools can earn distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. The program evaluates BOCES and school districts on several categories, including bullying prevention programs, playground safety and other areas.
“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” explain Brian Saville, resident 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 Questar III BOCES among them.”
Questar III’s Health & Safety Service continues to support safety efforts for the BOCES and school districts across the state. The service provides safety and security audits, program development, training and consultation to assist school districts in compliance with a number of state and federal mandates, including emergency management planning, blood-borne pathogens, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout, indoor air quality investigation, pest management and playground inspections. It also provides on-site consultation, emergency notification communication and AED/CPR/First Aid training.
