Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Schleper, 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 Stephanie Schleper.

Schleper serves as a Human Resources Specialist at the GCSD9 Board Office and is entering her 14th year with the district. She began her GCSD9 career during the 2012-13 school year as a substitute administrative assistant and paraprofessional, never imagining that those opportunities would lead to a rewarding career in human resources.

Schleper earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Southwestern Illinois College before completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management from Western Governors University.

She provides a behind-the-scenes look at Human Resources, sharing how GCSD9 recruits, welcomes, and supports employees while also giving us a glimpse into her life outside of work.

What does a typical day look like for you in the Human Resources Department, and what are some of the responsibilities people may not realize happen behind the scenes?
Working in Human Resources is far from having a “typical day.” Some days involve supporting various departments with their specific requirements, handling employment verifications, researching information for the Teacher Retirement System or Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (where some data is so outdated that it can be found on index cards), managing daily insurance modifications, processing leave of absence requests, posting job vacancies, calculating changes in salaries, onboarding new employees, and managing retirees. For our department to be successful, we have to be adaptable, as we have multiple tasks to oversee and each day can bring unexpected challenges.

Human Resources supports every employee in the district. What are some of the most rewarding parts of helping support our teachers, support staff, administrators, and applicants?
I consider myself to be a highly empathetic person with strong emotional and social awareness. I make an effort to see things from the perspective of those who approach me with questions, concerns, or even frustration. Understanding that our diverse backgrounds and experiences influence our identities, I remain mindful of this when assisting employees. When I have truly supported someone or eased their worries, it gives me a real sense of happiness. That is the reason I love my job!

Hiring the right people is one of the most important responsibilities of any school district. What qualities do you look for in candidates, and what advice would you give someone interested in joining the GCSD9 family?
There is so much more than simply employing individuals with the right education,  experience, or a great resume.  We look for genuine engagement, empathy, and a student-centered approach. Ultimately, we are looking for staff who have a deep, authentic passion for nurturing children, and are ready to represent our great school district. Although I may have a preference for our school district, I would suggest that interested individuals consider substituting or seeking student teaching opportunities with us. Gaining experience in the district, regardless of the role, will allow you to understand the amazing culture of our school district.  

A big part of your job is coordinating the onboarding process for new employees. Why is it so important to make that transition as smooth and welcoming as possible for new staff members?
Onboarding is truly my favorite part of my job! I gladly dedicate a considerable amount of time to my new employees because I want them to get to know me and feel at ease reaching out for my assistance. Starting a new job or transitioning to a different school district can be both exciting and daunting, as well as stressful. By being present for our new staff, ready to address their questions, and guiding them step by step, I aim for them to feel an immediate sense of belonging by the end of the process.

When you're away from work, what are some of your favorite hobbies or interests?
When I'm not at work, I tend to stay home a lot. I have a strong passion for animals, especially dogs, and since animals have such brief lives on this planet, I try to spend as much time as I can with them. My signature phrase has always been "I've never met a dog I didn't like".

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