After a dozen years of service to the school district, Mary Boger resigns from board of education citing health issues.

By Kevork KURDOGHLIAN

Glendale Unified School District board of education president Mary Boger announced her resignation from the board during Tuesday’s school board meeting, citing a serious health issue as the primary reason for her decision.

Boger was first appointed to serve in 2002 and since then won election three times for a total of 12 years of service. Her resignation, which goes into effect Aug. 13, cuts short her current term by seven months.

In a prepared statement, which she had saved for the very end of the three-hour meeting, Boger said, “I have a chronic illness which, when it recurs, causes a cascade of auto-immune responses. The most difficult of these responses with which to deal is debilitating fatigue.”

With her eyes full of tears she reported she and husband had recently sold their Glendale house, making it physically impossible for her to maintain the residency requirement to remain a board member.

After offering her apologies to the community, Boger said, “It breaks my heart to leave this board. This is one of the hardest decisions that I have ever faced.”

She also reported that doctors had advised her to avoid as much stress as possible, something that Boger realized would pose a challenge.

“I feel that following my doctor’s advice and fulfilling my obligations as a board member are not compatible,” she said.

Boger adjourned the meeting in honor of GUSD employee Sharon Marx’s husband, who recently passed away after a fight with cancer, and in honor of Louis Zamperini, an American war hero who passed away a week ago and who would often visit Wilson Middle School for its Memorial Day assembly.

Linda Evans, former principal of Crescenta Valley High School from 1998-2010, said, “I really respect Mary and the work she has done for the students and the Glendale Unified School District. I think her insight and her concern for students is greatly appreciated and will be missed.”

In her years on the GUSD board of education, Boger has attended countless holiday concerts, graduations, promotions, retirement parties and award ceremonies. She walked the precincts to push for bond measures and, most recently, was a strong advocate for Measure S.

“I went to her house which she had opened to everyone working on Measure S,” said Monna Johnson, former Crescenta Valley High School PTSA president and current Glendale Council PTA president. “ She was very gracious and worked hard on getting Measure S passed.”

She was known as being a tough advocate for students whether as the 2009 vice president of the California School Board Association, president of the GUSD board or a board member battling for more funding.

She never forgot who she was working for.

“She has been very open-minded to everything we would ask her,” said Jessy Shelton, CVHS sophomore.

Shelton is a member of the Fire House youth center and Prom Plus/Prom Plus Club. Boger has been an active and supportive member of both organizations.

“Mrs. Boger gives us her honest opinion,” she said. “She comes to all of our events and has always been there for us. Everyone appreciates her very much.”

Cheryl Davis is a member of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, Prom Plus, CV Fireworks, CV Dogs and a Montrose Christmas Parade board member.

“I’m really going to miss her. She always gives an honest and straightforward answer and always responds no matter what time of day you call or email her. She has given so much to our kids, schools and community,” Davis said. “Just last week she rolled up her sleeves and volunteered with her husband Don to sell and take tickets at the CV Fireworks. She has always been a strong and vocal supporter of Prom Plus and the Fire House and she will be deeply missed.”

Current CV Town Council president Robbyn Battles offered her thoughts.

“Mary may not have always agreed with you, but she was fair and was absolutely devoted to GUSD to make sure all of our schools were fairly represented,” Battles said. “I will miss her spunk and conviction as she was and is a great lady.”

  Kevork KURDOGHLIAN