District 300 financial head wins top honor

Community Unit District 300's finance chief has a reason to celebrate this month.

District 300 Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates has received the Monarch Award, one of the top honors the Illinois Association of School Business Officers gives to its members.

The Monarch Award is the equivalent of the lifetime achievement award for Illinois school business officials. The honor is given to members who have shown a dedication to their communities and profession throughout their careers.

The Illinois Association of School Business Officers will donate $1,000 to the charity of each Monarch Award recipient's choosing.

Crates has chosen the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence to receive the donation.

Crates will be honored tonight at a banquet in St. Charles.

Crates was a driving force behind the district's successful 2006 campaign to raise $185 million in bond proceeds and hike the Education Fund tax rate 55 cents.

Crates will earn $139,841 in salary and bonuses this year.