Romeoville and Nearby Suburban Schools Implement Bullet-Resistant Window Film to Enhance Security Against Mass Shootings

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Even though Romeoville High School faces no specific threats this Wednesday, the district has heightened security measures and is exercising increased caution due to a recent mass shooting in Minneapolis.

Some schools in Romeoville and other suburbs are also implementing a new product that could protect students and staff against possible gunfire.

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The school employs a protective film called Clear Armor, designed to withstand gunfire, preventing bullets from breaching windows externally. Yet, it allows law enforcement to counteract from inside if necessary.

“The bad actors keep changing tactics, so we must adapt too,” explained Carter Larry, Security Director of Valley View District.

The Valley View District, one of the largest in the state with 21 schools and around 16,000 students in the southwest suburbs, is committed to maintaining robust safety protocols. The district regularly enhances training for security officers stationed at each school and conducts age-appropriate emergency drills for students and staff, similar to other districts.

“What we may train our middle and high school students in, we don’t necessarily train our elementary school students,” Larry said.

The Minneapolis shooter allegedly blocked exit routes before shooting through windows. This incident underscores how school security training is constantly adapting to the evolving strategies of perpetrators. Experts emphasize that typically, someone has crucial information beforehand that could be instrumental in thwarting such attacks.

“It’s vital that if anyone notices suspicious behavior, they report it so we can safeguard our students. These incidents are happening far too frequently,” stated school security specialist Randy Braverman.

The clear armor over the windows can be costly. But the school safety director said the added layer of security is worth it. He is working on trying to get grants to pay for outfitting more of the district’s schools with Clear Armor.