Grapevine-Colleyville ISD hosted a ribbon-cutting event for W.F. Cannon Elementary School on Aug. 29. Students and staff guided visitors through the newly renovated school after the ceremony. The major project was part of a $249 million bond program, which voters approved in May 2016. About $33.6 million was proposed for the project, according to the GCISD bond program website. W. F. Cannon Elementary is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics school that serves students in its attendance zone as well as those who apply and are chosen through a lottery, GCISD Executive Communications Director Kristin Snively said. W. F. Cannon Elementary first opened in 1959, Superintendent Robin Ryan said. “Over time, we had several renovations to the school, we had additions, and then we started having repair after repair after repair,” Ryan said. “It became apparent that the Band-Aids were no longer a solution, and we needed to explore the possibility of a new building.” More unique spaces were also needed for specialized programs, according to previous reports by Community Impact Newspaper. The school is named after local educator and former Superintendent William Franklin Cannon Jr. Students, teachers, staff and visitors can see a tribute to Cannon when they first enter the building. Features of the new campus include an amphitheater, a playground, a garden, common areas, maker’s space, science labs, a gymnasium and various work spaces. “When Cannon first opened its doors, there were 14 classroom teachers and one music teacher,” Ryan said at the ceremony. “If only Mr. Cannon could see how this community and how this school has grown.” Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the year of the bond election. Voters approved the bond program in 2016.