• School History


    Bowling Park Elementary School opened in 1953 and was named, indirectly, for the Rev. Richard H. Bowling, Jr. The first principal was Mr. Purvis J. Chesson. He was replaced by Mr. Sherman Williams. In 1956, under Mr. Williams’ leadership, the building was enlarged to accommodate more students.Mr. Williams was succeeded by Mr. Welton Henderson. During his tenure, the City of Norfolk initiated cross-town busing to promote integration. The transition brought about a kindergarten through third grade setting. Students in grades four through six attended Lansdale Elementary School.


    Mrs. Velma Bunch was appointed principal in 1977. Following her untimely death, Mrs. Calesta King served as interim principal until June 1978.

    Beginning the 1978-79 school years, Miss Lillian Brinkley was appointed principal. She served untiringly until 1981. It was then that Mr. Herman D. Clark Jr. became principal. During Mr. Clark’s tenure, Norfolk Public Schools ended cross-town busing to achieve integration. He implemented the Comer Model for Continuous School Improvement, adding same gender classes, and uniforms.

    Beginning the 1997-98 school year, Dr. Clark became an assistant to the superintendent. It was then that Mrs. Kimberly Gray became principal. She served one year.

    Mr. Edward Johnson replaced Mrs. Gray as principal in July 1998. He served until his retirement in June 1999. Mrs. Brenda P. Shepherd became principal in July 1999 until September 2010.  Dr. Sterling White, Jr. became principal in July 2012 and remained until June 2015.  Mr. Eric Goodman became principal in June 2015 until July 2021. Currently, Mrs. Yukita Boone is the principal at Richard Bowling.

     

    Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

    Find our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan here.