Piatt Co. school district making $2M worth of upgrades
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Snub Finalized: NFL Confirms No Reconsideration

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL remains steadfast in its decision to…

Individual Apprehended on Multiple Allegations, Including Drug Trafficking and Animal Cruelty

In a sweeping multi-agency operation, authorities in Hampton County, South Carolina, have…

FBI Cracks Down on Violent Wisconsin Gang: Multiple Arrests and Major Drug Seizure

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a comprehensive investigation spanning several years has culminated in…

Major Bust: BVPD’s Two-Day Operation Leads to 19 Arrests and 11 Felony Charges

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) successfully wrapped up a two-day operation…

Calvary Day Baseball Team Celebrates State Championship Victory with New Rings

In a moment of triumph and celebration, the Calvary Day baseball team…

Bail Determined for Suspect in Johnson City Waffle House Shooting Incident

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The individual accused of firing multiple shots…

Unveiling the Mystery: Potential Destinations for the Stolen Louvre Jewels

NEW YORK (AP) — As the world reels from a daring heist…

Texas Governor Mobilizes State Guard to Tackle Homeless Camp Cleanup

In a recent announcement from Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed that…

Reviving History: Discover the 21-Year Journey to Restore Monticello’s Hidden Treasures

MONTICELLO, Ill. — After years of dedication, one man’s passion project in…

U.S. Defense Department Targets and Destroys Alleged Narco Vessel in Pacific Operation

On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that the department executed…

Oregon School Incident: Students Accidentally Served Pretzels Contaminated with Oven Cleaner

In an unsettling incident at Fowler Middle School in Tigard, a suburb…

USDA Reopens Field Offices, Bringing Much-Needed Support to Farmers

As the government shutdown persists, a glimmer of relief is emerging for…