Regional Office of Education Highlights School Safety, New Learning Programs in Update

Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025

Article Summary: Will County Regional Superintendent Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff updated the County Board on key initiatives, including the installation of shooter-resistant window laminate at all 21 county high schools and the expansion of alternative learning programs for at-risk students. The safety upgrades were funded by county cannabis tax revenue.

Regional Office of Education Key Points:

• All 21 Will County high schools have received “Clear-Armor” shooter-resistant laminate on one main entrance.

• The Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) has expanded to support at-risk students in Joliet Township High School District 204 and Joliet Public Schools District 86.

The Will County Regional Office of Education (ROE) has completed the first phase of a major school safety initiative, installing shooter-resistant window laminate at an entrance of all 21 high schools in the county, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff reported to the Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

During a presentation on the ROE’s recent activities, Dr. Caparelli-Ruff explained that the “Clear-Armor” laminate reinforces glass to make it shatterproof and resistant to forced entry, potentially buying critical time during an active threat. The project was funded with $75,000 from Will County’s cannabis tax revenue. The ROE hopes to secure additional funding for future phases to cover middle, junior high, and elementary schools.

Dr. Caparelli-Ruff also highlighted the success and expansion of the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP), which provides targeted academic and social-emotional support to students in grades 4-12 who are struggling or considered at-risk. After a successful pilot program in Lockport, the ROE has placed dedicated advocates in Joliet Township High School District 204 and Joliet Public Schools District 86. Each advocate manages a small caseload of no more than 32 students, allowing for intensive, individualized support.

Other updates included significant physical and programmatic upgrades at Lincoln School, the county’s alternative school, which now offers a dual-credit program with Joliet Junior College. The ROE also hosted its first countywide truancy summit to coordinate efforts between schools and law enforcement to address chronic absenteeism.