By the time James “Jim” Boger was in fourth grade, he already knew he wanted to be a teacher. Now, after a 30-year career with Brandywine Community Schools in Niles, Michigan, Boger prepares to retire as the principal of Brandywine Elementary School.
Growing up in Mishawaka, Indiana, Boger attended Penn High School until his junior year, when his family moved to Cape Coral, Florida. He graduated high school in Florida, then decided to come back to Indiana to attend Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) as a secondary education major.
After graduating from IUSB in 1990, Boger had a difficult time finding a job as a social studies teacher. He began his career as a youth treatment specialist at the Family & Children’s Center in Mishawaka, where he gained valuable experience for his career ahead.
“It was a secured facility with 10 kids in each unit and typically three to four staff on duty at any given time,” Boger said. “I had a couple of friends who worked there with me at the time, and we call that time our ‘growing up period.’ We experienced a lot during those years.”
During this period, Boger also coached football, first at Jackson Middle School and later as an assistant coach at Riley High School.
In 1995, Boger’s career reached a turning point when he came across a job opening for an alternative education teacher at Bell School in the Brandywine Community Schools district. However, the opening was posted in the final quarter of the school year, presenting a difficult decision for Boger.
“When they offered me the job, I had to figure out how to make it work because they couldn’t guarantee a position in the fall,” Boger said. “I didn’t want to give up my job at the Family and Children’s Center, because I was one of the unit supervisors. Fortunately, they were able to work with me on it so I could still keep my job there.”
By the end of the summer, Boger had secured a full-time position at Bell School as the alternate education teacher. Four years later, he transitioned to Brandywine High School, teaching social studies. However, after only nine weeks, the athletic director resigned, and Boger stepped into that role, launching his administrative career.
Over the next 15 years, Boger worked at the high school — first as the athletic director and later as the assistant principal. During this time, he also earned his master’s degree from Western Michigan University.
In 2015, Boger transitioned to principal of Brandywine Elementary School. The difference between high school assistant principal and elementary principal was profound.
“As the high school assistant principal, you’re pretty much just in charge of dealing with discipline or any problems with the students,” Boger said. “As principal at the elementary level, you’re in charge of everything — kids and adults.”
Boger goes above and beyond his administrative duties, building deeper connections with the students at the elementary school. He hosts a Pancake Day for students at least once a month, organizes dance parties in the cafeteria for the younger kids, and leads gym activities for older students.
Boger’s dedication to going above and beyond was evident even during his time at the high school. He shared his passion for music — especially the cello, bass, and guitar — by leading several student bands at the high school and later at the elementary school.
“I started a student band at the high school, and we would play at volleyball games and for anyone who would let us play for them,” Boger said. “When I moved to the elementary school, I thought I was probably done doing that, but that wasn’t the case. I've had several student band groups go through the elementary school — I just had to teach them how to play their instruments, so it was a longer process.”
After 30 years in the district, Boger plans to retire at the end of the school year, though he isn’t ready to stop working altogether yet.
“I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do yet — maybe subbing for administrators or even returning to the classroom,” Boger said. “I don't want to commit to anything specific yet. We'll just see what happens.”
Outside of work, Boger’s interests are diverse. He plays on his church’s worship team, serves as a reserve deputy with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and has a passion for cars.
As he prepares for retirement, Boger’s legacy at Brandywine Community Schools is marked by his dedication to his students and his commitment to going above and beyond in each role he’s held.