BEMENT, Ill. (WCIA) — Much needed renovations in one Piatt County school district have been years in the making.

The Bement School Board gave the green light last month for a $2 million project, with work already underway. Students and teachers will soon reap the rewards.

Right now, students have to walk outside to get from the main campus to the industrial building.

Mary Vogt, the Superintendent at Bement, highlighted that it’s not just a safety issue; Midwest winters, with temperatures often dipping to single digits, make it impractical. Therefore, they are constructing an addition to enclose that area.

They’re also putting air conditioning in the gym and the newly built addition will have ADA accessible entrances and restrooms.

Vogt mentioned that this has been a focus for her since taking the role in 2022, although its origins precede her tenure.

The $2 million required for these improvements come from a donation by a Bement alum’s estate, supplemented by local and grant funds as well as working cash bonds. Vogt views this project as more than mere physical enhancements.

“It’s not solely about the physical structure; our aim is to preserve our facilities and ensure a secure environment for our students, both now and in the long run,” Vogt stated.

She said that the property tax impact is small. It’s just about a $4 increase a year on a $100,000 home.

The air conditioning work is expected to conclude by the end of October, with the addition slated for completion by July 2026. Vogt also mentioned that while both the addition and air conditioning upgrades are tangible changes, there have been other less noticeable projects completed for the community.

They’ve improved internet speed and reliability, replaced technology in classrooms and for teachers and students, and replaced the security camera system.