Staff Spotlight: Julie Matarelli, Frohardt

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 Frohardt Elementary School Principal Julie Matarelli.

Matarelli is in her 30th year in education and third year as principal at Frohardt Elementary School. She began her career as a middle school math and science teacher, serving in Jennings and Edwardsville before moving into administration as an assistant principal at Edwardsville High School. Prior to joining Frohardt in 2024, she spent eight years as principal at Columbus Elementary School in Edwardsville.

In this Q and A, we learn about Mattarelli’s’ journey into education, approach to school leadership, commitment to students and a few of their interests outside of school.

What drew you to Granite City School District #9, and what has stood out to you most since joining the district? 
When I researched Granite City School District, I was impressed by the strong sense of community and the commitment to supporting both students and their families. I also noticed that many staff members have chosen to build long careers in the district, which speaks to a culture of loyalty and dedication. That sense of commitment is something I value, and it is one of the reasons I was excited about the opportunity to become part of the Granite City School District community.

Can you share what inspired you to become an educator and eventually pursue school leadership?
When I graduated from high school, I originally planned to become a high school counselor. However, I chose to attend St. Louis University to study Medical Technology because I wanted to honor my father's wishes. As I progressed through the program, I realized that Medical Technology was not the right fit for me. That experience helped me recognize that my true passion was working with students, so I changed my major to education.

I began my career as a middle school math/science teacher, where I spent 12 years developing meaningful relationships with students and helping them build confidence in mathematics and science inquiry. During that time, I realized I wanted to make an even broader impact on teaching and learning, which led me to pursue a master's degree in Educational Leadership.

As I completed my graduate coursework, I discovered a passion for school leadership and the opportunity to lead meaningful change. I was inspired by the idea of creating a positive school culture, supporting teachers in their professional growth, and improving outcomes for all students.

I am now entering my 11th year as an elementary principal, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have enjoyed working alongside teachers, students, and families to build a supportive learning environment where everyone can succeed. Seeing the positive impact of collaborative leadership on both teachers and students has confirmed that pursuing educational leadership was the right decision for me.

How do you hope to make every student feel welcomed and valued each day?
At Frohardt Elementary School, we serve approximately 425 students. I believe every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and feel like they are an important part of our school community. One of the simplest yet most meaningful ways I demonstrate this belief is by learning every student's name.

As a principal, I know that something as personal as greeting a student by name can make a lasting impact. From a child's perspective, having the principal recognize and acknowledge them helps them feel seen, important, and connected to the school. It communicates that they MATTER.

Each year, I make it a personal goal to learn every student's name within the first several months of school. Building those relationships from the very beginning helps create a welcoming environment where students feel a sense of belonging. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of a positive school culture, and learning students' names is one of the first steps in building those connections.

If families could know one thing about you before the school year begins, what would it be?
One thing I want the Frohardt family to know about me is that I have a personal connection to the experience of being an English language learner. Chinese is my home language, and my family moved to the United States when I was nine years old. When I entered fourth grade, I had to learn English while being fully immersed in an English-speaking classroom.

That experience has stayed with me throughout my career in education. I understand firsthand what it feels like to learn a new language, navigate a new culture, and adjust to a new school environment. Because of my own experience, I have a deep appreciation for the importance of making every student and family feel welcomed, supported, and valued. I want our Frohardt families to know that I understand the courage and perseverance it takes to learn a new language and that I will always advocate for our English language learners and their families.

When you're away from work, what are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?
When I am away from work, I enjoy exercising and traveling. I value the opportunity to stay active, experience new places, and spend time with family. This past March, I had the opportunity to visit family members in Taiwan and travel to Japan. It was a wonderful experience that allowed me to spend meaningful time with family while also exploring and learning about different cultures.

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