Judy Schue is retiring from RLCC

Schue has been happily married to Jerry Schue for over 40 years and they have two children, Lars and Rachel. Lars lives in Oklee and works for Arctic Cat. Rachel is the Elementary Librarian at Edwin Loe Elementary in New Town, ND and is married to Jerry Taylor.

Schue has an Associate degree from the University of Minnesota – Crookston in Retail Management, Merchandising, and a background in Accounting.

Before working at the school, Schue had a variety of jobs. She worked in a grocery store during high school, was an editor of the UMC Commentator (campus newspaper), worked for Dodd’s Drugstore, an Editor of the Oklee Herald, waitressed at the Oklee Recreation Center, clerked for Melby’s Grocery, and dispatched for the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

Schue’s first association with the school was during the 1989-1990 school year as a substitute para-professional, and then was a full time special education para the following school year. She moved into the library and served as a library para in December of 1996. She has been a librarian ever since. 

Besides working in the library, Schue has done tallies and reports for the hot lunch program, worked with the elementary computer program, served on the safety committee, chaired the Community Education Committee, covers in the office when the administrative assistants are both gone, assists with many small technology issues, and helps in the kitchen or where ever else is needed.

“This list could go on and on. I usually tell people I have done everything in the school except clean the bathrooms—and I do draw the line there. But…. I am not the only person in this organization to do multiple jobs, everyone who works here often covers many duties. People are willing to step up and do what needs to be done so our students have the best learning environment we can give them. This is a large organization but we function like a family, everyone doing their part and more so the job gets done.”

When Schue first started working in the library, there was only one computer. They slowly began updating the technology in the library and were able to automate the card catalog and circulation of materials with a grant through the Northern Lights Library Network. There were many “great community volunteers that came in to help put the first barcodes on all the books.” 

The technology aspect continues to grow to this day. They now have over 30 laptops in the library mostly being used by the students taking college classes through the Online College in the High School (OCHS) program. “A lot of my time today is spent working with the OCHS students. We have grown to be hosting one of the largest and most successful programs in the state. Currently we have 22 students in the program. We have been as high as 32 students. The OCHS program in our school started only with seniors but now we are open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The job evolves and changes as the needs of the district and the students change.”

Schue has also volunteered and helped with the Red Lake County American Cancer Society, was the MC of the Relay for Life, disaster relief for the Polk – Red Lake County American Red Cross, volunteer EMT for the Oklee Ambulance Service, record keeping for the Oklee Fire Department Retirement Association, Oklee Lutheran Parish Secretary/Treasurer, and sews samples and teaches quilt classes for Oklee Quilting. ”If I have missed anyone I am sorry. All of these jobs have been very important parts of my life,” stated Schue.

When asked about her best memories and highlights, Schue responded with “My biggest highlight was when the class of 2011 dedicated the yearbook to me. I was speechless and if you know me you know that doesn’t happen often!” 

Other highlights she included was being able to serve as assistant and then head coach to the Mustang and Rebel Speech Team. “It was so rewarding to have an administration that always supported the program. They also understood and supported my coaching philosophy: ‘Winning medals and trophies is really wonderful but more important are the communication skills the members will have and use for the rest of their life.’” 

She added that her memories could go on and on. Schue appreciates all the people she has worked with, the activities she was a part of, the current students, and all the students that have graduated that she still keeps in touch with today.

With having more free time, Schue will enjoy her hobbies that include quilting, reading, designing quilt projects, fishing, teaching quilt classes, time at the lake, golfing, walking, knitting, hardanger, crochet, sewing, audio books, campfires, and visiting friends and family. She will also spend time traveling.

“I have been so blessed to work with so many wonderful people at RLCC and am also blessed to be able to retire at this time. Thank you to all of my RLCC family for being such a big and important part of my life. I have learned so much while here and will treasure all the memories we share.”

RLCC is grateful for all Mrs. Schue has done at and for the school. Enjoy your retirement.