Vienna High School -

Cynthia Webb, Vienna’s Business Manager, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Lighthouse Award by the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO, https://www.iasbo.org/about/foundation/awards). This distinguished honor recognizes Webb’s outstanding practices, innovative contributions, and her lasting impact on the profession of school business management. Her work has not only enhanced operations within the district but also serves as a model for other school business officials across the state.

The Lighthouse Award celebrates practices that are replicable and beneficial to school entities statewide. As part of the recognition, Webb received a glass statue and was honored at the IASBO Annual Conference held in Schaumburg, Illinois. She will also be featured in statewide news and trade media, recognized in the UPDATE magazine and on the Illinois ASBO website, and has been invited to attend Illinois ASBO’s exclusive Leadership Day. IASBO also made a donation to a charity of Cynthia’s choice, and she chose Daystar Care Center- an assisted living facility in Cairo, IL .

“Running a school business office has grown into a detailed, regulated, demanding, intricate job. Companies that generate millions of dollars in revenue and expenses each year typically have chief financial officers and staff who support them. Mrs. Webb runs a school business operation that is in excess of $15 million per year. Her leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to transparency and efficiency have made a tremendous difference in our district,” said Vienna Superintendent Dr. Joshua W. Stafford. “Due to her efforts, Vienna has been able to expand competitive grant dollars, partner with other schools and agencies, and ensure that students and taxpayers are getting the best possible return on their investment.”