BRANDON SCHOOLS -To her coworkers/friends, Judy Learst is described as a gem. To the business of education she is an institution.
In June, Judy Learst will retire from her 27-year position of Executive Secretary to the Superintendent.
“She is a jewel that will be missed by all of us,” said Harvey Swanson Principal Helen Clemetsen. “She’s always there to help support and listen, always there for us, which is so unique.”
“A true professional with a heart of gold,” said Clemetsen.
As dependably as rays from the sun, community members, students, and coworkers of the Brandon School District have been met by the shining disposition of Judy Learst since 1975.
“Her demeanor is always so positive with people,” said Superintendent Bart Jenniches. “No matter how upset people are she always gets through to them, and always does it with a smile.
“I’ve never seen her upset. That’s what I’m going to miss the most,” Jenniches said, “and her written communication skills are meticulous, the best I’ve ever seen.”
Having assisted five different superintendents before Jenniches, Learst witnessed many changes and amassed a host of admirers throughout the district.
Among her extensive daily duties, the most important to her is the business of people. Learst modestly dismisses her warm approach to the philosophy of “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
This method of dealing with people has carried over with Learst’ coworkers and the public, she said, explaining that often the first contact people have with the district is her voice on the phone.
“I want them to have a wonderful impression of us,” said Learst. “I try to be helpful and proud. We have a great school district and a wonderful community, we should all be proud.”
Understanding what a community needs and the sensitivities within comes from long-term involvement by living and working in the area.
“Judy is extremely knowledgable about the area, the community, and the parents,” said Jenniches. “She has always helped provide additional information to assist me in making informed decisions on particular situations with our kids or parents.”
Coming to the Brandon area in 1973, Learst and her husband promptly joined the Jaycees. That was the best way to get to know the community in which they were to raise their two children, she said. Both of her children attended and graduated from the Brandon School District.
“It’s a great community, we’ve made many friends here and we are so glad we raised our children here, ” said Learst.
A true Blackhawk fan at heart, Learst said one of the most rewarding experiences in her tenure was moving into the new high school (in 1982) and watching the “standing room only crowd” fill the gym for the first basketball game on the new court.
“That was so exciting,” Learst beamed. “We’ve had great community support, however.”
Another shining moment was when Brandon became a Michigan Blue Ribbon school district last year.
“How thrilling that was,” said Learst. “I feel truly blessed; it’s been a wonderful job and a wonderful career.”
Although Learst is closing this chapter of her career, she will miss everyone she works with and she has no plans to close any doors on her life and friends of Brandon Township.
“I’ve met some fine people, some really great people. I think I’ll stay around here, but there are stacks of books just waiting to be read. I also love gardening and travel.”
Learst has already traveled to Israel, and last summer, spent time in New Zealand with two coworkers.
“Ultimately I want to go to Rome, and see the Rose Bowl Parade. Not the game, but the parade,” she quipped.
Learst looks forward to wishing her replacement as much success as she has enjoyed, and hopes her successor’s Brandon career is as long as hers.
“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful career,” she said.