W. L. Bowman Elementary
About Bowman
Proud to be a Bobcat!
At Willard. L. Bowman, we take pride in our academic focus which includes several paths to success in a neighborhood, open-optional, or structured learning programs. Our early learning programs set the stage for success in elementary school. These include a general education preschool and developmental preschool programs.
Mission Statement
The W.L. Bowman Elementary School community strives to foster a climate of academic growth, teamwork, and social-emotional development. Our staff, students, and parents will work together to meet the unique needs of every student. Students will develop a greater sense of responsibility, problem-solving, and respect.
Vision
The students of W.L. Bowman Elementary will be successful community members by growing academically, socially, and emotionally.
Who is W.L. Bowman?
Willard L. Bowman was born August 18, 1919, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Navy between 1938 and 1945, and in 1950, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where he worked as a laborer and was an active union member, later becoming a labor management consultant. He was also an active member of the NAACP in Anchorage. Willard Bowman was appointed the first Director of the Alaska Human Rights Commission by Governor Egan in 1963. He served in that capacity until 1970, when he ran for the State House of Representatives. He was elected to the House in three consecutive elections (1970, 1972, and 1974). A member of the Democratic Party, he maintained a consistently liberal and humanitarian record. Representative Bowman was one of the first Black Americans elected to the Alaska Legislature. He died of cancer on December 3, 1975.
