The annual recognition presented by the Los Angeles County Office of Education pays tribute to the talent and vision of school district leaders in the nation’s largest regional education area. As head of the Lancaster School District, Bowers oversees the education of some 15,000 students from preschool through grade 8. Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo surprised Bowers with the award in November during an outdoor event at the district headquarters in Lancaster. “During this time of extraordinary challenges, Michele Bowers remains a visionary education leader who finds innovative ways to engage students and inspire staff,” Duardo said. “She is a tireless, passionate advocate for educational equity and for ensuring the needs of the whole child are met.” The Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year Award, launched in 2017, recognizes an individual’s leadership for learning, excellence in communication, professionalism and dedicated community involvement. Bowers joined the Lancaster School District as an assistant superintendent in 2007 and was named superintendent in 2012. Bowers has been instrumental in bringing STEAM, Dual Language Immersion and computer science programs to the district, as well as expanding visual and performing arts programs and opportunities for extended learning. She successfully opened the Fulton & Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering, recognized as a California Distinguished School. She actively works to build strong community partnerships and opened a Welcome and Wellness Center to assist families with school enrollment and access to support services and resources. She has focused considerable effort on students’ social-emotional growth and advanced an approach to staff development that emphasizes building meaningful, empathetic relationships with students. An active member of numerous professional and community organizations, Bowers serves on the board of the California Association of African-American Administrators and Superintendents and is the group’s state chair on chronic absenteeism and truancy.