Staff Spotlight: Carol Houston, Frohardt

By Brayden Cook '26

Every week throughout the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week’s staff highlight is Carol Houston.

Houston is a 3rd/4th grade Instructional Resource Paraprofessional at Frohardt Elementary. School She has worked in GCSD9 for eight years, all at Frohardt.

Where did you attend school and what degrees do you have?
I attended Montville Township High School in New Jersey and studied Business Administration at Colorado State University.

What different roles have you held in the district?
I started as a building aide at Frohardt and have also worked as a secretary substitute, special education co-teacher, paraprofessional aide, and more.

What is your favorite memory working for GCSD9?
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!" 

What did you do before working at GCSD9?
I worked retail for eight years at the May Company before leaving clothing retail to pursue the grocery business. For 23 years, I was a General Merchandise Manager for Shop’n Save. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
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. 

Favorite food?
Pizza! Yes to pineapple, no to anchovies! 

What’s your favorite part of being a paraprofessional?
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. 

Tell us about your family.
My husband, Bert, is a retired Granite City Fire Department Shift Commander. My son, Ryan, and his wife, Camryn. My daughter, Sydney, is a senior at GCHS. We have two dogs—Max and Mabel—and five cats: Bean, Mo, Maverick, Elijah, and Willow.

Who do you look up to?
My mother. She taught me responsibility, kindness, patience, and perseverance, and she inspired me to approach life with positivity and light up a room with energy. Miss you, Mom!

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net