MT. VERNON, IL — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has been selected to receive a grant for safety enhancements in area classrooms. The over $830,000 in federal money was announced by Congressman Mike Bost on Monday to strengthen security at schools at over 160 jurisdictions nationwide.

Those selected will receive the grants through a Department of Justice School Violence Prevention Program initiative that was introduced and signed into law in 2018. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard says the effort to get the $499,829 was spear-headed by Summersville Schools Superintendent Michael Denault.

Sesser-Valier Community Unit School District #196 received $90,285 to make advancements in safety and East St. Louis School District #189 will use their $239,892 grant for metal detectors and locks, as well as staff training and communications planning.