Staff Spotlight: Richie Skirball, GCSD9

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 Richie Skirball!

Mr. Skirball is an elementary gym teacher at Frohardt, Maryville and Wilson Elementary Schools and has been working in GCSD9 for 16 years.

Where did you go to school?
I was born and raised in Granite City, so I graduated from Granite City High School in the class of 2000. I then went on to compete in Cross Country and Track and earn my Bachelor’s Degree at SIUE.

What inspired you to become a PE teacher?
I’ve always been passionate about fitness and wellness, as well as bringing along and molding future generations. So, naturally, the two came together in my dream job of being an Elementary PE Teacher. I know God placed this dream in my heart, and he started ordering my steps long ago. I take my job as being a positive male influence in these kids’ lives very seriously.

What did it mean to be inducted into your hometown sports hall of fame in 2019?
It was an absolute honor. I grew up watching the Warriors’ football, basketball, and soccer teams in the late ‘80s into the ‘90s. So, when I entered high school in the late ‘90s to wear the Warrior across my chest, it was already a dream come true. But then, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with my family and coaches present and to share a spot with many of the teams and individuals I looked up to as a kid—grown man—is amazing, to say the least.

What does a typical day look like as a PE teacher?
For an elementary PE teacher, we have 25-minute classes for grades K–6, averaging around 11 classes per day. My day starts with 6th grade and counts down from there, with Kindergarten and Life Skills classes finishing my day 2-3 days a week. 

Twice a week, I am at Frohardt in the afternoons, so I climb back up the ladder, starting at 3rd grade and finishing with back-to-back 6th grade classes. I have really enjoyed having K–6 together again. The younger kids have so much energy, and I feed off of it. Additionally, with the older kids back, I have been able to do more challenging activities with them and also be there to support them during sometimes difficult times in their lives.

Favorite Food?
I am an equal-opportunity eater, as I love food. I do love pizza of any kind as my fallback, easy, comfort food. But my wife is an amazing cook and has many delicious creations. I really enjoy fish like salmon and tilapia, but she also makes a dish called “Marry Me Chicken” that is better than anything I’ve ever had in a restaurant. Look it up online; it will not disappoint.

Hobbies?
I’ve always enjoyed running, but now that my son runs for his high school team, it has taken on new significance as I can share it with him. Our family is very close and active, enjoying family walks, bike rides, pickleball, and tennis. When it’s time to settle down, a favorite at the Skirball house is Family Movie Night with snacks on Friday, followed by worship at church on the weekend.

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