IES Window Films Reinforces Glass Throughout One of Florida’s Largest School Districts
Purpose of the Project
Pinellas County School District, Florida’s ninth-largest school district, serves nearly 89,000 students across more than 140 locations.
Amid growing concerns about security at educational facilities, the district sought to reinforce vulnerable glass doors and windows throughout its campuses. The goal was to strengthen glass and help delay forced entry, providing additional response time during a potential active threat while supporting existing lockdown procedures.
The district awarded IES Window Films a multi-year contract to install safety and security window film across its facilities.
Film Solution
After evaluating each building and available film options, the project team selected clear and privacy safety and security window films from Madico.
Madico’s SafetyShield® series combines strong adhesives and premium polyester construction to improve impact resistance and help hold broken glass in place. Privacy film also reduces visibility into designated areas from outside the building.
IES tailored the film selection and installation approach to the needs of each facility.
Challenges
Installing film across an active school district required careful coordination. IES worked around classroom schedules, students and staff to maintain an efficient workflow while minimizing disruptions.
The project faced an additional challenge when Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused extensive damage along Florida’s west coast, including at several Pinellas County schools. With storm recovery and repairs taking priority, IES temporarily paused installation and resumed work as facilities became ready.
As the project progressed, school staff also requested SmartTint and vinyl graphics for offices and other areas requiring additional privacy. Some schools incorporated branded vinyl graphics on glass doors. IES integrated the additional work into the project while continuing the districtwide installation.
Strong communication with district and school staff helped IES coordinate work during school hours, after-hours installations, closures and hurricane recovery.
Outcome
As of August 2026, IES had installed more than 70,000 square feet of window film throughout the district, along with SmartTint and vinyl graphics at multiple locations. With the multi-year project nearing completion, the installations provide another layer of protection supporting the district’s broader safety and security efforts.
Since 1985, IES Window Films has provided window film solutions for homes, businesses and institutions. Its experienced installers help clients select and install films designed to address safety, security, privacy, comfort and solar-control needs.
PROJECT
As safety concerns at educational facilities continue to rise nationwide, Pinellas County School District in Florida sought to reinforce vulnerable glass doors and windows across its locations.
FILM SOLUTION
IES Window Films installed clear and privacy safety and security window films to strengthen glass upon impact and reduce visibility into school buildings from the outside. The company used a solution by Madico SafetyShield security window film, offering industry-leading adhesive, premium polyester construction, strong impact resistance and glass fragment retention.
CHALLENGES
The Florida-based installation company had to maintain an efficient workflow around students and staff while also navigating hurricane-related damage and school rebuilding efforts.
RESULTS
As of August 2026, IES Window Films installed more than 70,000 square feet of window film, along with SmartTint and vinyl graphics, helping create a safer environment for students and staff.
