On a bright, sunny Monday, Bowden Academy principal Venus Davis walks the spacious halls of her new campus. As she looks around, she sees her campus, built in the 1970s, come to life again under Bond 2016. 

Bowden became the first of the 13 campuses in the Bond 2016 program to begin renovations. It was also the first to finish. For Davis and her team, construction seemed to only be a minor annoyance compared to the benefit it has brought to the students.  

“Construction can be challenging to navigate. But the construction staff was great about communicating their needs and working closely with our campus administration to ensure we were on the same page,” Davis said.

“Even with having construction staff in our building for an extended period of time, I appreciate that Bowden was selected for renovations so our kids have a building and the resources they need to do their best learning,” she continued. 

One of the most drastic changes to the school building itself came with the addition of dozens of windows to classrooms. They are a teacher favorite, and Davis says there appears to be a different look on the students’ faces because of them. 

“Before, our classrooms had no windows, so it felt very confining to students,” Davis said. “Now, there is natural light in all external rooms, and you can feel the difference in disposition and attitude for the students learning in those rooms. We know our kids can do anything they set their heart and mind to and having a building that sets them up for success is one great way to position them for success.” 

Bowden’s upgrades and renovations total nearly $12 million and includes renovations to general learning, science, art, music and special education classroom spaces, restrooms, kitchen and cafeteria, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical, roofing and site improvements, as well as a new and improved entry way with security upgrades. 

“Our kids, families, and staff deserve beautiful, updated spaces to come to each day,” Davis said. “And now we have it. Our kids show such pride and enjoyment from the space that has been developed for them. Our teachers love the windows and beautiful new entryway!”