Once a Red Devil, Always a Red Devil
Superintendent's Bio
Matthew Bowen, Superintendent
Matthew Bowen is an accomplished education leader with over two decades of experience. He began his career as a special education teacher in the Struthers City School District in August 1999 and quickly rose through the ranks to become an Elementary/Middle Assistant Principal in August 2006. In July 2008, Mr. Bowen transitioned to an Elementary School Principal assignment with additional district curriculum responsibilities at West Branch Local Schools, where he remained until August 2013 when he was named Superintendent of the Campbell City School District.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bowen has focused on the whole school community, serving on various statewide and national committees, both volunteer and appointed: the Ohio Department of Education Related Service Personnel Workgroup, the State of Ohio Whole Child Advisory Group, the Ohio Attendance Task Force Committee, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators Legislative Committee, The Ohio State University Extension Advisory Committee, Youngstown State University Professional Education Council, the Mahoning County School Employees Insurance Consortium Board, and the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) Legislative Committee. Additionally, Mr. Bowen was recommended by the Ohio Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Education to serve on the 2023 Midwest Regional Advisory Committee, where he provided summary recommendations for Priority 2: Early Childhood Education (access, alignment, program requirements) and Priority 3: Student Well-being and Mental Health (including impact on attendance).
Mr. Bowen has been invited to present as a speaker at multiple state and national conferences, including the State of Ohio SuccessBound Conferences, the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference, the Ohio School Health Training Academy Conference, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) National Conference, and the Appalachian STEM Collaborative.
Mr. Bowen is always at the forefront of the latest methodologies to move the region and the state of Ohio forward. He has worked diligently to ensure teachers receive the professional development necessary to meet the evolving needs of students and families. His leadership emphasizes serving all students, recognizing individual abilities, and cultivating a collaborative culture and climate where every stakeholder can thrive.
In recent years, Mr. Bowen has cultivated transformative projects that have become models for communities across the state and nation — public-private collaborations focused on strengthening the regional economy through innovation, education, health, and wellness. From these efforts emerged the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center (CLWCC) and the Northeast Ohio IMPACT Academy, one of Ohio’s few seventh-through-twelfth-grade state-recognized STEM-designated schools. The CLWCC’s year-round programs empower students to replace risk behaviors with wellness activities, engage in STEM instruction, and connect with external organizations and early college opportunities through partnerships such as Stark State College.
Through his positive relationships, Mr. Bowen has grown new opportunities and is excited for the opening of the Campbell Health and Community Development Center (CHCDC) and the Mahoning Valley Wellness and Rehabilitation Center (MVWRC). These facilities are supported by secured assets through competitive grants and growing programs with higher education partners that expand health services and training opportunities for students in Campbell through the district’s own STEM-designated Northeast Ohio IMPACT Academy. With these expanding programs, new opportunities are continuously carved out for students as part of a comprehensive strategic plan that thrives on dedicated partnerships, staff, students, and families embracing accelerated curriculum and real-world placements. With Youngstown State University joining the Campbell City Schools campus, Mr. Bowen is confident and proud of the district’s growth as a small but strong model for change and hope throughout the state.
New partnerships are also being cemented with Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the purpose of grant oversight and guidance related to the highest single award from the Governor’s Office — $10.2 million dollars — and with the Appalachia Children’s Coalition, which has secured program funding for the new Director of Whole Child Supports position. This position encourages student involvement and engagement with aligned services that address their academic, social, and emotional needs, reinforcing Campbell’s commitment to supporting the whole child.
Beyond his commitment to the schools, Mr. Bowen has also willingly worked alongside City officials when called upon, including efforts in strategic planning to encourage new businesses to choose Campbell. This commitment is evident not only in his work to expand health and higher education partnerships on campus but also in his continued advocacy for business investment throughout the community. From Dunkin’ Donuts to the Public Library and many others, Mr. Bowen’s efforts reflect his deep love for Campbell, its students, families, and future.
Through advancing partnerships with local businesses and organizations, Mr. Bowen has also alleviated the potential risk of the CLWCC becoming a tax burden on the community by securing local, state, and federal funding to initiate construction and developing a shared-services model that ensures sustainability.
Mr. Bowen has been an active member of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) for many years. In August 2018, he received the BASA Exceptional Leadership Award, and in 2021, he was recognized as the Northeast Ohio Outstanding Superintendent by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA).
Mr. Bowen’s shared leadership approach empowers regional stakeholders to take ownership of their areas of responsibility while providing collaborative guidance and direction. He remains accessible to leadership teams and fellow superintendents alike, demonstrating a commitment to shared success. He is most proud of the many accomplishments of the students he has served — achievements made possible by the outstanding leadership of teachers, support staff, principals, board members, parents, and community partners.
Mr. Bowen regularly attends community, regional, and statewide events, understanding that building strong relationships is essential to creating a formula for economic development that promotes lifelong student success.
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