The Cherokee County School District’s Assistant Superintendent for Financial Management has nabbed the top statewide award presented by his peers.

Candler Howell was honored with the 2014 Outstanding School Business Official Award from the Georgia Association of School Business Officials at the group’s recent conference in Augusta. The award recognizes innovation, leadership and professionalism in the field.

Howell joined the CCSD 27 years ago as its chief financial officer and is retiring this month. During his tenure, the district’s operating budget has increased tenfold.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP