The modernized Govalle Elementary celebrated its grand opening on Friday with students, families and staff in attendance.

“This is the moment we have all been waiting for,” said Superintendent Paul Cruz as he and Principal Paula Reyes cut the ribbon to commemorate the grand opening of the newly modernized school.

The modernization includes new spaces for academics, fine arts and athletics. The two-story school incorporates two learning neighborhoods – one on each floor – with each area including 12 studios, a professional learning center, a maker space and small group break-out rooms to support 522 students.

“We have been looking forward to this for some time now and the kids are excited,” Reyes said. “The students are getting to participate in their new flexible learning space that makes learning fun and easy, and we are so thrilled that they will be able to have that.”

The modernization was funded by the 2017 Bond Program. The 2017 bond has funded the T.A. Brown and Menchaca elementary schools’ modernizations, both of which opened earlier this year.

“When I walked into the building of the school, I saw the excitement on the student's faces, and they were so eager,” Cruz said. “They wanted to experience the entire school from the library, to the classrooms, to the cafeteria, to their outdoor learning spaces. It is wonderful to see their smiling faces because they know this is for them and that’s what matters.”

For more information about Govalle Elementary school, you can visit www.govalle.austinschools.org