Staff Spotlight: Carrie Wallace, GCSD9

By Chris Mitchell '95

Every Friday throughout the 2026-27 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 spotlight features Carrie Wallace.

Now in her first year as Executive Secretary to Superintendent Dr. Donald Harris, Wallace has served GCSD9 in a variety of roles since being hired full-time in 2011. She started out as a paraprofessional before taking on a new role as administrative assistant in Student Services before assuming her current position in 2026.

Wallace discusses her transition into the Superintendent's Office, the importance of creating a welcoming first impression, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing Board of Education meetings, her induction into the Granite City Sports Hall of Fame, and her commitment to serving the GCSD9 community.

You recently transitioned from Student Services to serving as Executive Secretary to the Superintendent. What excited you most about taking on this new role, and what has the transition been like?       
It has been a whirlwind, but in the best way possible! Dr. Harris, the Board members, and the entire team at the Administration Office—honestly, everyone across the district—have been incredibly welcoming and helpful. I’ve found that my existing knowledge of the district has been an invaluable asset during this transition, helping me hit the ground running. 

You spent several years as an Administrative Assistant in Student Services, working closely with students, families, and staff. How has that experience prepared you for your new position in the Superintendent's Office
I actually started as a Paraprofessional, working inside many of our district's schools. Because of that, when I transitioned to Student Services, I already understood how a lot of our programs ran and knew so many staff members across the district. When our department first launched, that foundational knowledge allowed me to deeply support our families and confidently answer their questions. Every step of my career here has built the perfect foundation for this new role.   

For many parents, staff members, and community members, you're the first person they meet or speak with before visiting with the Superintendent. How important is it to create a positive first impression and help people feel welcome?
It is extremely important. Whether a family, a local business partner, or a colleague is coming to see Dr. Harris—and whether they are arriving under positive circumstances or a tough situation—I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable. My goal is always to make them feel genuinely welcome. Even on challenging days, I make it a priority to stay positive and greet everyone with a warm smile.

One of your biggest responsibilities is preparing the agenda and supporting the materials for the monthly Board of Education meetings. Can you give us a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into that process and why attention to detail is so important?
When I first stepped into this position, I had never actually been involved in the mechanics of a Board meeting. I had seen the agendas before, but I didn't fully realize the immense amount of preparation that goes into them. Now, I am becoming much more comfortable with the process and really understanding the "why" behind how things are done. Attention to detail is everything when ensuring our leadership team has what they need to make informed decisions.  

You were inducted into the Granite City Sports Hall of Fame in 2025 for your accomplishments as a student-athlete. What did that honor mean to you, and how did your experiences at Granite City High School help shape who you are today?  
It was such an incredible honor to be inducted. Growing up, I always felt that competing in sports in Granite City was something special—making a high school team here meant you were part of a truly dedicated athletic community. Being able to take that passion to the collegiate level, and later coach for a few years, was an amazing journey. Those experiences and the mentors I had along the way taught me how to be a leader, how to be versatile, and how to think outside the box to solve problems. 

As someone who has served GCSD9 in multiple roles, what would you like students, families, staff, and the Granite City community to know about the work that happens behind the scenes to support our schools?
If there is one thing I want everyone to know, it's that the staff at the administration office truly care. Every single day, the team is working hard behind the scenes because they genuinely want the absolute best for each and every student, staff member, and community partner in Granite City.  

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