CFO at School for Children Impacted by Homelessness Honored as Best in Class

Online, May 13, 2011 (Newswire.com) - SAN DIEGO - Monarch School, a San Diego public K-12 school for children impacted by homelessness, is celebrating the announcement of Sheila Buska as the 2011 CFO of the Year for non-profit organizations in the county. The fifth annual San Diego Business Journal CFO of the Year Awards recognize the importance of chief financial officers and the role they play in the success of an organization.

Buska joined Monarch School in 2003, as controller, and was promoted to CFO in 2007. Her fiscal responsibility, wise investments and effective new policies, led the school prosperously through the recession with a dramatic increase in total assets. Dedicated to making a personal impact, Buska also developed an accounting internship program, introducing students to the world of finance and accounting.

"Sheila is more than just a CFO," said Sarita Fuentes, CEO and Co-Principal at Monarch School. "Her achievements are found in her astute fiscal decisions, and we couldn't imagine anyone being more deserving of this recognition. We are honored to have Sheila as part of the Monarch family."

Monarch School, the only K-12 school of its kind in the United States, was established to help break the cycle of homelessness by providing resources, programs and opportunities that eliminate the barriers to a quality education. Buska's financial responsibilities continue to increase, as the school continues its Capital Campaign to build a larger campus in Barrio-Logan, just south of Petco Park. For more information about Monarch School and opportunities to donate and volunteer, visit http://monarchschools.org or call (619) 685-8242, ext. 226.

About Monarch School:
Founded in 1988, Monarch School, located in downtown San Diego, is a public K-12 school exclusively for students who are at-risk and impacted by homelessness. Monarch School represents a unique public-private partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education and the Monarch School Project, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Today, more than 175 students between the ages of four and 19 are enrolled. Monarch School's committed team of educators, support staff and volunteers is dedicated to providing homeless and at-risk children with an accredited education while caring for their basic needs. Monarch School will break ground on its new campus in downtown San Diego in fall 2011. For more information, visit http://monarchschools.org or call (619) 685-8242, ext. 226.