BEMENT, Ill. (WAND) — Bement CUSD 5 is getting an addition to their school that will connect classrooms to their gymnasium and industrial tech buildings, creating a safer alternative for students traveling between classes. 

The project was approved in October 2025, but Superintendent Mary Vogt said the district has been seeking out the project for over 20 years. 

"When I first started in the district, there were some questions about 'how long can we sustain a district?', 'How long can we sustain our facilities?'"

Vogt explained that the changes will benefit students and the community.

"We are able to sustain our school district. We're able to continue making improvements and give people that common ground, that place to come together and enjoy seeing our students and the work they're doing," she said.

The project also allows the district to create a more accessible campus, adding accessible parking spaces and ADA-accessible ramps and entrances to the Industrial Tech Building and Walsh Gym in the interior and exterior of the building. 

The project added air conditioning to the Walsh Gym, which will allow the district to partner with the Village of Bement as a cooling and warming center for the public. 

The $2 million project is partially funded by an alum who left money to the school district in his estate.

The project is expected to be completed in July 2026.

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