Bement School Board: Summer Projects, Staff Hiring, and Facility Improvements discussed at July Meeting

The Bement Community Unit School District 5 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary conference room.

Superintendent Mary Vogt and board members covered a full agenda of personnel decisions, summer construction updates, and financial planning for the 2025-2026 school year.

Consent Agenda and Upcoming Events

After calling the meeting to order and conducting roll call, the Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, monthly bills, and financial reports.

Superintendent Vogt highlighted several upcoming events on the district calendar:

July 14 – Online registration begins

July 30 – In-person registration (8:30–10:30 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m.)

August 7 – New teacher orientation

August 12–13 – Teacher Institute Days

August 14 – First day of student attendance for K–12

August 15 – First day of Pre-K

Superintendent’s Report: Summer Work in Full Swing

Vogt presented a progress report on the district’s major summer projects:

Roof Replacement – Work begins July 14 on the overhang outside of the cafeteria and the Industrial Technology building with completion expected the week of July 28.

Gym HVAC System – A bid from Davis Houk Mechanical was recommended and approved later in the meeting that will include installation of air conditioning in Walsh Gymnasium.

Fieldhouse Demolition – A pre-bid meeting was held July 7; bid opening is set for July 22 to demolish the old fieldhouse at the football field.

Gym Vestibule Addition – Planning continues, with a target date for board approval in September. The proposed addition would connect Walsh Gymnasium to the Industrial Technology building, eliminating the need for students to walk outside between buildings. The project also includes the addition of handicap-accessible restrooms and a new concession stand to enhance accessibility and improve functionality for school and community events.

She also confirmed the district’s continued compliance with ROE standards and presented a policy review for Policy 5:330.

In comparing regional substitute teacher pay, Bement’s rate of $115 was noted to be below neighboring districts such as Arthur ($135), Monticello ($130), and Cerro Gordo ($130). Vogt recommended a pay increase to remain competitive.

Public Comments and Closed Session

No public comments were made during the audience comment period. The board then entered closed session to discuss personnel matters.

Personnel and Action Items

Upon returning to open session, the board approved several personnel recommendations:

•Rachel Ennis was hired as a kindergarten paraprofessional.

•Grace Hilton was hired as a special education paraprofessional.

•Danielle Tracy was approved as the GSA sponsor for the 2025–2026 school year.

Additional action items approved included:

•Surplus Declaration – The board approved a resolution declaring the 1997 Haul Rite trailer as surplus property.

•Job Descriptions – New or revised job descriptions were approved for the District Secretary, District Bookkeeper, and Athletic Director positions.

•Gym HVAC Bid – The board accepted the bid from Davis Houk Mechanical to complete the gym HVAC installation.

•Bond Resolution – A resolution was approved to issue up to $1.5 million in General Obligation School Bonds (Series 2025) to increase the district’s Working Cash Fund.

•Substitute Pay Increase – The board voted to raise the daily substitute teacher rate to $140, effective with the upcoming school year.

•Budget Preparation – Superintendent Mary Vogt was officially designated to develop the tentative 2025–2026 budget.

•Spending Authorization – The board authorized continued district expenditures for operations, education, and construction purposes until the final FY2026 budget is adopted.

Meeting Adjourned

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m.

For more information on district events or board decisions, visit www.bement.k12.il.us or contact the Bement CUSD 5 unit office.