Summer Boger is running for the San Dieguito Union High School District Board in Area 3, a nonpartisan seat on the Nov. 3 ballot. Trustee Area 3 includes portions of Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe and Cardiff, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Helen Doyle is also running for the seat.

Asked why she is seeking office, Boger said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running for the San Dieguito Union High School District Board because I care deeply about children and want to give back to the community where I raised my family. Our schools should stay focused on strong academics, responsible budgeting, and preparing young people for college, careers and life."

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: "I currently work as a Special Education Instructional Assistant throughout SDUHSD's middle and high schools, supporting students with a wide range of needs. For 25 years, I have also operated my own holistic health practice, with a particular focus on women and families during the prenatal and postpartum years … For the past 10 years, I have advocated for families of children with special needs, helping them find resources, understand their rights, and navigate a process that can feel overwhelming," Boger said in our questionnaire.

Education: "I attended San Diego Miramar College from 1998 to 2000 and later studied at Touch For Health Applied Kinesiology. I also graduated from Mueller College of Holistic Studies in both its Eastern and Western programs," Boger said.

Family: "I am the mother of two children who graduated with honors from San Dieguito Academy and went on to attend four-year colleges … My husband is deceased," Boger said.

Previous elected office: "I have not previously held elected public office in local government or on a school board. I currently serve in an elected position within the local Republican party organization," Boger said, adding that the school board race "is a nonpartisan election, and my campaign for school board is focused on education and district governance."

On the issues

What sets her apart from other candidates: "My background combines three perspectives: I am a parent of SDUHSD graduates, I currently work directly with students in the district, and I have spent 25 years running a small business and working with families," Boger said in our questionnaire. She added: "I am also an independent candidate who is not funded by the teachers union or beholden to any special-interest group. Campaign-finance disclosures show that the teachers union is financially supporting my opponent … My priorities are academic achievement, budget accountability, college, career and life readiness, special education support, and transparent governance."

Accomplishments she cites as evidence she can handle the job: "I have successfully operated my own holistic health practice for 25 years, managing finances, serving clients, and building trust with hundreds of families … I have also spent more than a decade working directly with students and families in educational settings and advocating for children with special needs. I have helped families navigate the special education process and taken my advocacy to Sacramento on behalf of children with special needs and foster children," Boger said.

Best advice she ever received: "'When you see something, say something.' I was raised to speak up when something is wrong and stand up for people who need help," Boger said.

Voters in Area 3 can track Boger's campaign at summerforschoolboard.com. Her profile is also available on Ballotpedia.