“Valley View is one of the preeminent school districts in the metropolitan Chicago area, if not the country when it comes to the safety and security of its students and staff.”
By Laura Katauskas
Staff Reporter
In the aftermath of the Florida school shooting, school safety is a top priority, and one that is not lost on the local community.
Days after the Florida shooting, Valley View School District 365u Superintendent James Mitchem issued a message, ensuring the district takes steps everyday “to maximize deterrents and minimize threats to the greatest extent possible.”
“Valley View is one of the preeminent school districts in the metropolitan Chicago area, if not the country when it comes to the safety and security of its students and staff,” said Valley View Safety Director Carter Larry. “We have an amazing collaborative partnership with our board, senior administrators, staff, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other emergency management agencies. However, we don’t take our responsibility to the community lightly, nor do we rest on our laurels.”
He said the district constantly reviews best practices,continually trains staff and has implemented safety protocols that other districts have yet to consider.
“As technology, training standards and policies evolve; we will remain fluid and evolve as well,” said Larry.
Calling it one of the most comprehensive public school security systems in the country, Mitchem rallied that its systems are backed up by a staff that with continued practice is trained in how to keep students safe.
“One of our greatest safety measures is created by the time our staff members use every day simply getting to know our students. Our staff does much more than provide instruction that aligns with our curriculum. Our staff is also invested in the social and emotional growth of students so we can assist them in navigating the road from childhood to adulthood,” said Mitchem in his message.
Mitchem called on the community to understand their role in keeping our schools safe, urging anyone and everyone to speak up.
“Quite simply, if you see something or know something, say something. If you know of a student who is struggling, keep in mind we have comprehensive student services teams at every one of our schools. We are here to help and we have the people in place who work every day to make a difference in the lives of kids,” said Mitchem.
Larry echoed that fact.
“If you see something say something,” said Larry. “The students, staff and parents will always be our first line of defense. I am very grateful for those who have come forward and reported threats regardless of whether or not they didn’t know if it was credible. You allow me and my staff to be even more effective in the performance of our duties, and for that I say thank you.”
Larry explains that drills and tactics used in school lockdowns have evolved over time and that Valley View’s drills are anything but routine.
“Although the Illinois Safety Drill Act requires a certain number of evacuation drills per year, Valley View School District’s schools go above and beyond the minimum standards required by the State Statute. We do this because we want our students and staff to be prepared to react and respond for a real incident,” said Larry.
It remains important that students listen to building staff, and take the drills seriously. Larry maintains that teachers need to review protocols, ask questions if there is an issue with how to respond or where to go, and remain vigilant.
With controversy in the political arena in regards to arming teachers, Valley View stands opposed to the measure.
“We continue to drill and inform our teachers about new tactics and training that exist,” said Larry. As a district we continue to strive to keep our staff prepared, informed, and confident in their ability to respond in a critical incident.”
He said the district’s procedures are being consistently reviewed and updated.
“It is a never-ending process,” said Larry. “…Valley View is a school district that proactively researches information, new training standards, policies and procedures as they become available. Then we work with our school board on the best way to implement those changes into the district.”
The district has had its own incidents of suspicious behavior, acting on student reports of a student with a weapon. Though the weapon was fake, the incident was both disruptive and disturbing nonetheless.
“Our staff worked tirelessly with the Bolingbrook and Romeoville Police Departments, the Tinley Park FBI Task Force, and Will County State’s Attorney’s office on tracking students down. Those students then received swift and appropriate consequences for alarming and disturbing the community. We take every threat very seriously,” said Larry.
According to the district’s website, in addition to its collaboration with local authorities, various measures have been taken at each school.
The district has in place, lockdown alarms in every one of our schools. When the alarm is activated, an alert is sent to law enforcement and the entire building that a lockdown has been initiated. Through extensive training, staff knows what to do to keep students safe until law enforcement arrives to assist.
Outside, blue lockdown indicator lights at the main and secondary entrances and all corners of each school will alert anyone coming onto the school grounds that the school is in a hard or soft lockdown.This is especially important if any type of incident occurs during student arrival or dismissal.
All schools have audible alarms on secondary exit doors including main office panels that will alert staff that someone is opening a door. In addition, security cameras are placed near doors to see who is opening a door, creating a safer environment because individuals can see people who may be attempting to enter a school.
The district also is working with the police to put a camera monitoring system in place that will allow the police department to monitor the schools from their squad cars. Should a threat occur, police will have the advantage of being able to see inside the building, assess any situation that may arise, and then conduct the proper response.
Every classroom door in Valley View is equipped with a lock that can be activated from inside the classroom. This way, a teacher does not have to open the door nor exit the classroom to lock the door.
For a full look at the district’s safety measures visit https://www.vvsd.org/Page/484.