Bowman Site Faces Demolition After Fire

This morning at approximately 4 a.m., a fire started at the former Bowman Elementary School at 520 Jefferson Street, resulting in significant damage. The Hayward Fire Department responded and brought it under control. The fire appeared to originate in the gymnasium and did not impact nearby homes. The cause is currently undetermined, and the fire department reported no injuries.

Bowman closed at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year. The site has been designated as surplus property.

Because of the conditions resulting from the fire, Public Contract Code 20113 provides that we may begin excavation immediately with Board of Education approval, which it gave this morning.

Hazardous material testing will occur over the weekend, and demolition will begin next week.

To help ensure no additional risk to fire, life, or safety over the weekend, HUSD will immediately install additional fencing and a mobile surveillance camera system, and begin a 24-hour on-site patrol.