Former Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Fowler passes away 

The Grossmont Union High School District GUHSD Tuesday evening declared the passing of former Superintendent Mike Fowler who devoted nearly three decades of operation to East County students and families Fowler passed away following a battle with brain cancer Fowler began his -year career in guidance after leaving a flourishing career in banking starting as an English accounting entrepreneurship and computer applications professor at Helix Charter High School As principal of Granite Hills High School from to he helped guide the school to recognition as a California Distinguished School and earned national rankings from U S News World Summary and The Washington Post He then advanced through leadership roles in GUHSD as assistant principal principal and assistant superintendent of Educational Services before being named superintendent in As superintendent Fowler launched the Portrait of a Graduate process a collaborative effort with the East County public to define the skills and mindsets students need to thrive as adults Though he could not see the vision fully realized it remains the cornerstone of GUHSD s work this school year It will reportedly be carried forward honoring his leadership and ensuring the work he began will be seen through for future generations of students Superintendent Fowler s leadership made a profound and lasting difference in the lives of students staff and families GUHSD Governing Board President Dr Gary Woods stated His compassion and unwavering commitment to students defined his operation and shaped our East County area On behalf of the Governing Board I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Maria their children and the entire Fowler family We grieve this loss together and honor the legacy he leaves behind Reflecting on his decision to pursue guidance as a second career Fowler once noted Before I became a facilitator years ago I was in the banking industry and doing well But I had constantly been drawn to educational leadership because school was a safe place for me growing up I knew firsthand that providing a safe and structured habitat for students to learn and grow was a valuable region operation so I changed paths Fowler is survived by his wife Maria Vidal-Fowler a U S Army veteran and principal of Silver Gate Elementary School and their two children