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decade-old desktop computers. The district upgraded intercom and camera systems and installed a new phone system. The new intercom system included a critical safety feature: a button labeled “911” in every classroom that connects directly to dispatch, eliminating reliance on cell service in an emergency. Facilities work followed. The district established a tuck pointing schedule starting with the 1899 building. Roofs were replaced throughout campus. The gymnasium received a new HVAC system, making air conditioning available for the first time at a Bement graduation. Vogt funded much of the work strategically. Prior debt was paid down and the district used working cash bonds in 2024 to self-fund projects. The tuck pointing work was partially funded through a School Maintenance Grant. The roof replacement came through HLS funding. The district’s most ambitious project is currently un derway—a $2 million connection between the main building and the Industrial Technology building, which houses ag classes, welding, woodworking, and weightlifting, funded through local funds and sup ported in part by a private donation made possible through the generosity of the families of Steve and Jeffrey Mills and the Bement Community Founda tion. Students previously had to go outside every 46 minutes to move between buildings. “From a school safety standpoint, we were buzz ing the high school door every 46 minutes to let students back inside,” Vogt said. “Staff became desensitized to letting people in without looking. If someone intended harm, they could stand out there and be allowed in.” Beyond facilities and technology, Vogt has become deeply involved in school safety planning—particularly reunification protocols. At a 2022 meeting convened by regional superin tendent Jill Reedy, the Piatt County Sheriff posed a question to administrators, superintendents, and first responders: Why not have one reunification site for all schools in Piatt County?

Vogt volunteered to lead the effort alongside Piatt County Sheriff Mark Vogelzang. Together, they worked with transportation providers and local churches to get memorandums of understanding in place for a countywide reunification site. The work was deeply personal. In 2021, her daughter attended Purdue University and became roommates with a survivor of the Sandy Hook shooting. The roommate’s brother had not survived. “Hearing her story and what it was like not knowing where her brother was fueled my passion for not wanting parents to have that unknown,” Vogt said. “Parents are already stressed, panicked, and worried. Having an organized system to communicate with families before reunification sites—whether a child is deceased or at a hospital—can make a difference.” Vogt attended training with at the Illinois Fire Service Institute in 2024 on response protocols and reunifi cation methods. At the end of the training, instructor J.P. Moore pulled her aside. She thought she had done something wrong. Instead, he invited her to become an instructor with the Illinois Fire Service Institute. For the past two years, Vogt has worked with schools across Illinois—from the northern edge of the state to the southern border—helping districts run reunification exercises and practice with staff. “What I do is tailor what the superintendent asks for, anywhere from two to four hours,” Vogt said. “Because I’m an instructor with the Fire Service In stitute, there’s no charge to facilitate. I do encourage districts to sign up with the Fire Service Institute because they get a full day of training.” Vogt has also been active in IASA professional learning opportunities, participating in both the Elevate cohort and the ISAL program. As she looks toward June 2029, her commitment to Bement remains clear. The district that seemed overwhelming in 2022 is now on solid footing—finan cially stable, technologically current, and focused on continuous improvement.

Want to nominate someone?

Contact Jason Nevel at jnevel@iasaedu.org

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LM May 2026