Staff Spotlight: Erin Kincy, 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 administrative assistant Erin Kincy.

Kincy has been part of GCSD9 for 17 years, beginning with two and a half years as a substitute before being hired full-time in July 2011. During her time as a substitute, she served in administrative assistant roles at several district schools.

After joining the district full-time, she spent about a year as the Bookkeeper at Granite City High School before transferring to the Board Office's Buildings & Grounds Department, where she worked for nearly five years. She later moved to the Special Education Department and now serves in the Student Services Department.

Kincy shares an inside look at the Student Services Department, offers advice for families navigating enrollment, discusses the importance of customer service, and talks about her favorite hobbies outside of work.

What does a typical day look like for you in the Student Services Department, especially during the summertime?Summertime is extremely busy with registering and enrolling new students, which can get stressful and challenging. However, I have wonderful coworkers who step up every day to help make things run smoothly. 

Each year, you help enroll and register more than 5,500 students. What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards that come with managing such a large process?
The biggest challenges involve navigating complex rules, policies, and procedures while handling custody situations or working with frustrated parents. The reward comes when a student opens up and tells you about themselves, colors a picture for you to display, or when a parent you’ve assisted for years specifically requests your help. At the end of the day, it's knowing you did your absolute best to get a student ready for the new school year.

For many families, you’re one of the first people they meet when they come to GCSD9. How important is it to make new families feel welcomed and at ease, especially those moving to a new community?
It is essential to ensure a new family knows what to expect and receives all the necessary district information for a seamless transition. That includes setting them up with Skyward access, sharing official start dates and school hours, providing bus schedules, identifying their assigned school, and handing out the calendar so they know which days school is in session.

Enrollment can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents. What advice would you give families to help make the registration process as smooth and stress-free as possible?
My best piece of advice is simply to remember that you’re not in this alone—we are here to support you every step of the way! Registration doesn't have to be overwhelming. Beyond guiding you through the paperwork and ensuring your student’s needs are met, we’re always happy to share wonderful details about the specific school your child will be attending. 

From helping you learn about the district to connecting you with local PTAs and parent groups, we want you to feel excited and confident about joining our district family. Lean on us, ask questions, and let us help make your transition as smooth and welcoming as possible!

When you’re away from work, what are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?
Off the clock, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. During the summer, you can find me outdoors or relaxing by my pool. I’m a huge music fan across all genres—pop, 80s hair bands, and country—with Prince being my absolute favorite! I love attending concerts to see bands like Night Ranger, Def Leppard, Tesla, Sammy Hagar, Mammoth, Kenny Chesney, and far too many others to list.

I also enjoy traveling—my favorite destinations are Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, and Clearwater, Florida. As a big sports fan, I root for St. Louis City SC and Inter Miami (soccer), the St. Louis Blues (hockey), and I enjoy watching football, tennis, and golf. Finally, I love just staying home to unwind with old TV shows and classic movies.

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