By Shelby Stewart-Soldan
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp. — After 30 years at Brandon, Harvey-Swanson principal Debbie Brauher is retiring.
“I started out as a middle school science teacher, then I taught sixth grade for a little while, then third and fourth, then I was a reading recovery literacy coach for several years, and then I was the principal at the academy for a year,” she said. “That’s when I decided I loved leading a building and decided to keep doing it. I worked in k-8 curriculum for a year, and then I got a job as the Harvey-Swanson principal.”
Brauher said she had so many favorite parts of working in education, it was hard to pick just one.
“I think just working with people to help children,” she said. “It’s just been amazing, collaborating with people. I love hearing children’s stories and seeing them be excited about life and learning. I’m just so thankful I was given so many opportunities to do that in Brandon.”
Brauher has been principal of Harvey-Swanson since 2018 when she took over the position from Andy Phillips. The new principal will be Jessica Hevel following Brauher’s retirement last week.
“I think I’m going to miss all the smiling faces,” she said. “I love collaborating and the end product of that collaboration being children. There’s something very special about that.”
In her retirement, Brauher plans to do some camping, hiking and biking, as well as spending time with her family. Eventually, she wants to do something else to help children.
“I’m going to miss Brandon, it was a great place to be. It’s a great community, and I’m going to miss the commitment towards children in Brandon.” she said. “Thank you, it’s been a privilege, an I recognize what a big deal it is to give me those opportunities.”