Bement Breaks Ground on Gym Vestibule Addition

GROUND BREAKING. Bement CUSD #5 held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gym Vestibule addition last Friday. Work on this project is slated the start this week and will be completed in 2026. Pictured are Michelle Gross, State Bank of Bement Foundation, Mary Vogt, Bement Superintendent, Denise Strack, School Board President, Holly Fuson, School Board Secretary, Kendra Jane, School Board Vice-President, and Lindsey Smith, School Board Member.

Bement Community Unit School District #5 celebrated an exciting milestone on Friday, October 31, 2025, as district leaders, students, staff, and community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gym Vestibule addition on the Bement school campus.

The morning ceremony marked the official start of construction on the long-anticipated project, which will enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for all who attend school and community events in the district’s gymnasium.

The new vestibule will provide a secure, climate-controlled entryway, improving traffic flow during athletic events and assemblies, while also supporting better energy efficiency. The addition is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to modernize its facilities and create welcoming, functional spaces for students and community visitors alike.

“We’re excited to break ground on this project that will directly benefit our students and community,” said Superintendent Mary Vogt during the ceremony. “Projects like this demonstrate what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision for the future.”

In her remarks Superintendent Vogt said, “It is wonderful to see our Board of Education members, students, staff, alumni, families, community partners, and friends of Bement Schools here this morning as we celebrate another exciting step forward for our district.”

She thanked the many partners who helped make the project possible and expressed gratitude to the Bement Board of Education for their leadership, the Bement Foundation and the Jeffrey Mills family estate for their generous contributions, and to other private donors whose continued support strengthens the district.

“Our Bulldogs deserve facilities that match their effort, talent, and drive,” Vogt said. “Today’s milestone reflects that commitment.”

The district also recognized Farnsworth Group, which is providing construction management and design services for the project. Work is expected to start around November 10 and will continue through the winter months, with completion anticipated in 2026.

Students, alumni, staff, and community members joined in the celebration, gathering around the construction site for the ceremonial shovel turning and photo opportunity.

For many, the event symbolized more than a new addition…it represented Bement’s strong community spirit and shared investment in the future of its schools