Lake County Gazette

Every week during the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community Unit School District 9 is highlighting staff members who have made a significant impact on students' experiences. This week's spotlight features Cindy Cochran, a cafeteria worker at Prather Elementary School.

Cochran began working in the cafeteria as a substitute in 2006 and became a full-time employee in 2008. When asked about her favorite part of her job, she said, "My favorite part is seeing my co-workers every day — to me, they are my second family. I also love seeing and interacting with the kids every day."

Cochran graduated from Granite City High School in 1989. She shared that one of her favorite memories at work involves lighthearted moments with colleagues: "My favorite memory is playing pranks on my co-workers. We love to play pranks on each other throughout the year."

On a personal note, Cochran spoke about her family life: "I love to hang out and spend time with my family. I’ve been married to my husband, Danny, for 33 years. I have five kids: my stepdaughter Heather, my daughters Kristen and Kaylin, and my sons Joshua and Jacob. I have nine grandkids, with my 10th on the way. I also love playing with my three dogs and one cat."

Prather Elementary School is one of several schools within Granite City Community Unit School District 9, which represents Madison County and 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 School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district employs approximately 320 teachers earning an average salary of $67,898 before pension contributions; most are women according to recent data from the Illinois State Board of Education (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district’s student body consists of approximately 65 percent White students alongside Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Anyone wishing to nominate a staff member for recognition can email information@gcsd9.net.