Dr. Donald J. Harris Superintendent | Granite City Community Unit School District 9
Dr. Donald J. Harris Superintendent | Granite City Community Unit School District 9
Wilson Elementary School in Granite City has been named a National PTA School of Excellence for the 2024–26 term, making it one of only eight schools in Illinois to receive this recognition. The school is also one of two Metro East schools honored, along with Twin Echo Elementary in Collinsville.
Other Illinois schools awarded include Helen Keller Jr. High and Jane Addams Jr. High in Schaumburg, Hunting Ridge in Palatine, Jane Stenson in Skokie, Lincoln Prairie PTSA and Whiteley PTA in Hoffman Estates.
A new banner at Wilson’s entrance marks the achievement.
"National PTA School of Excellence program is designed to build strong partnerships between families and schools and create meaningful family engagement," said Wilson Principal Ann Wilson. "This honor reflects the dedication of our staff, families, and PTA in working together to support student success."
The National PTA’s School of Excellence program involves a year-long commitment by PTAs and schools to improve family-school partnerships. Throughout the year, feedback is collected from the school community and plans are created to enhance family engagement based on national standards.
During this process, PTAs and families become active partners in decision-making and efforts to improve the school. The program aims to increase communication within school communities so that families feel included and empowered to help their children succeed.
Wilson Elementary is part of Granite City Community Unit School District 9, which serves Madison County. The district includes Coolidge Junior High School, Frohardt Elementary School, Granite City High School, Grigsby Intermediate School, Maryville Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School, Prather Elementary School, and Wilson Elementary itself (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
Granite City Community Unit School District 9 employs 320 teachers with an average salary of $67,898; most teachers are women. There are no teachers with more than ten absences per year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district’s student body is about 65 percent White, nearly 16 percent Black, almost 12 percent Hispanic, and less than one percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student was $17,739 for a total expenditure of over $106 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
For more information about Granite City Community Unit School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net.
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