When you first walk into a high school, you are immediately met with rowdy students, laughing while enjoying time bonding during breaks. Upperclassmen enjoy venturing off campus for a meal, while the freshman and sophomores sit in huddled groups, connecting with their peers. That being said, what is often overlooked is the person in charge of keeping these students comfortable and protected.
Michael “Mike” Bowen is the campus supervisor at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) who is in charge of monitoring students going on and off campus, while also directing them to all their necessary destinations. While his job description is to keep the students safe, there is more to his role than meets the eye. He is well-loved by all of the people of Foothill Tech, with an impact that extends far beyond campus security.
Bowen originally grew up in Ojai, Calif., attending Nordhoff High School (Nordhoff) and going to many colleges.
Bowen started his journey in the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) in around 2012 as a paraeducator, bouncing around different schools, which led to his job as supervisor and coach at Buena High School (Buena). He was in this position for about six years, transferring to Balboa Middle School (Balboa) before finally finding a permanent position at Foothill Tech in 2018.
He was drawn to the school for many different reasons, but the main factor, in his opinion, was the undoubtedly friendly people on campus as well as the excellent education level. “It’s such a good environment [and helps] students become prepared for college,” Bowen expressed.
Outside of his job, Bowen has a wonderful family, with two daughters currently at VUSD schools. He enjoys surfing and snowboarding, and never shies away from a good competition.
On a typical school day, he works from around 7:30 a.m. to roughly 4 p.m. “My job is really a fashion between the student body and faculty, and my [focus is getting] students to where [they] need to go,” Bowen stated. He said his responsibility is to listen and make everyone feel comfortable, “whether that’s a teacher, administrator, counselor [or] coach.”
When asked about the importance of a supervisor’s job at high schools, Bowen expressed his complex viewpoints. “When I originally started, I thought this was a bottom-of-the-barrel type job … but as I went on, I realized it’s actually a big role,” he explained.
JJ Mendes ‘27 stated that Bowen’s responsibility is very important because “not only [is he] watching out for us, but he’s also super nice to a lot of students.” Mendes further described his warm personality and how he always comes off as “very caring and gentle.”
While his position requires him to constantly monitor students and answer questions, that doesn’t stop him from impacting the lives of every person he encounters. “[My job] first and foremost is looking out for the best interests of [my students],” Bowen communicated.
Mendes explained how “he just always talks with us about anything, [like] how your day is going; he’s a great guy.”
Assistant Principal Frank Davis shared his long history with Bowen and how much support Bowen has provided for him throughout his years. “He’s really good at interpersonal relationships with students and staff,” Davis revealed. Along with all of this, he said it’s quite clear that “[Bowen’s] heart is with every one of these students.”
Bowen concluded with some inspiration to the students on campus and advice to those who are contemplating their position in the school. “Foothill Tech [provides] an incredible opportunity, [so] spend the time you have here well and take it to the next level,” he stated.
There is so much to be said about the wonderful footprint Bowen has carved into this campus. With his constant smiles and friendly greetings, you will always feel comfortable as you stroll along the halls of Foothill Tech.
So, next time you’re walking on campus and see Bowen, be sure to show your appreciation — he does a lot for Foothill Tech and it wouldn’t be the same without him.
