Lake County Gazette

Each week during the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community Unit School District 9 is recognizing staff members who contribute positively to students’ experiences. This week’s spotlight is on Carol Houston, a 3rd and 4th grade Instructional Resource Paraprofessional at Frohardt Elementary School. Houston has worked in the district for eight years, all at Frohardt.

Houston attended Montville Township High School in New Jersey and studied Business Administration at Colorado State University. Reflecting on her career within the district, she said, “I started as a building aide at Frohardt and have also worked as a secretary substitute, special education co-teacher, paraprofessional aide, and more.”

One of her favorite memories from working in the district involves her daughter: “My favorite memory working for the district is when I was a building aide at Frohardt. My daughter, Sydney, was in 4th grade at the time. She would call the classes to come inside for lunch, and I would be outside on the playground. Sydney would say, ‘Mom, send the next class in’ on the walkie-talkie. I enjoyed working alongside her. At least she called me ‘Mom!’”

Before joining GCSD9, Houston spent eight years working retail with May Company before moving into grocery management for Shop’n Save for 23 years.

In her free time, Houston enjoys family activities and spending time outdoors: “I love spending time with my family and our seven pets. We own 40 acres of woods about two hours from Granite City and enjoy being outdoors. I also like binge-watching shows, baking, and gardening.” Her favorite food is pizza—“Yes to pineapple, no to anchovies!”

When asked about her role as a paraprofessional she shared: “Seeing kids reach their goals and feel proud of themselves. Many of the students I work with struggle with self-esteem, so it’s rewarding to see their faces light up when they succeed.”

Houston’s family includes her husband Bert—a retired Granite City Fire Department Shift Commander—her son Ryan and his wife Camryn; daughter Sydney; two dogs named Max and Mabel; and five cats: Bean, Mo, Maverick, Elijah, and Willow.

She credits her mother as an inspiration: “My mother. She taught me responsibility, kindness, patience, and perseverance...she inspired me to approach life with positivity and light up a room with energy. Miss you Mom!”

Granite City Community Unit School District 9 serves Madison County schools including 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 School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), GCSD9 employs around 320 teachers who earn an average salary of $67,898 before pension contributions (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The teaching staff is composed of approximately 77 percent women and nearly one-quarter men.

The student population in GCSD9 is diverse: about 65 percent White students attend schools in this district along with Black (16 percent), Hispanic (12 percent), and Asian (less than one percent) students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In terms of finances for education delivery across its schools—including those where Houston works—the district spent $17,739 per student in 2020 totaling over $106 million that year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving staff by emailing information@gcsd9.net.