Bement Middle School Earns Exemplary Designation; Elementary and High Schools Recognized as Commendable
Bement Community Unit School District #5 is proud to announce the results of the 2026 Illinois School Report Card, released today by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). All three district schools received positive performance designations, reflecting the dedication and hard work of students, staff, and families.
The district's 2026 performance designations are:
Bement Middle School – Exemplary
Bement Elementary School – Commendable
Bement High School – Commendable
The Exemplary designation recognizes schools demonstrating the highest levels of overall performance. Approximately 28% of Illinois schools earned this designation in 2026, including Bement Middle School. The Commendable designation recognizes schools demonstrating solid overall performance.
"We are very proud of our students and staff across the district," said Superintendent Mary Vogt. "These results reflect the hard work taking place in our classrooms every day. It's especially exciting to see our middle school recognized at the Exemplary level, and we are proud of the accomplishments of all three schools."
Understanding the New Performance System
Beginning in 2026, ISBE introduced a redesigned accountability system called Profiles of Performance. The system evaluates schools using multiple measures of student success, including academic proficiency, student growth, graduation rates, attendance, and student group performance.
Under the previous accountability system, Exemplary recognition was limited to approximately 10% of schools statewide. The new system uses established performance criteria, allowing more schools to earn recognition based on their achievement.
The accompanying graphic explains the five performance levels and highlights Bement's school designations. 
Continuing Our Commitment to Student Success
Bement CUSD #5 remains focused on strengthening student achievement through curriculum review, instructional improvements, and professional development.
"Our goal is not simply to prepare students for a test," Vogt added. "We want every student who graduates from Bement to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be competitive with their peers in college, careers, and life. These results give us reasons to celebrate while also helping us identify opportunities to continue improving."
The district appreciates the students, staff, families, and community members who contribute to the success of its schools.
Families and community members can explore the district's results at www.IllinoisReportCard.com.