Chris Torres

It’s not every day you meet someone who can recall a phone number after seeing it just once. But for Chris Torres, numbers have always been more than a talent—they’re her superpower. Playfully dubbed “Rain Man” by her husband, Chris has an uncanny ability to process and remember numbers with incredible accuracy. Now, as the Business Officer for Ottawa ESD 141, she’s using that talent to ensure the district’s finances are in tip-top shape, all while balancing the needs of a thriving community.

Chris’ journey to the role of Business Officer wasn’t exactly planned. In fact, it required some serious nudging from her former principal at Lincoln Elementary, where her children attended school. “I was working at a local bank, and I loved it,” Chris explains, recalling how her principal kept insisting that she apply for a bookkeeping position at the district office. “I kept telling him I was fine where I was,” she laughs. But eventually, the principal’s persistence paid off, and Chris joined the district as a bookkeeper in 2003. Four years later, when the Director of Business retired, Chris was ready to step into the role—and she’s been running the show ever since.

Growing up in rural Grand Ridge, Chris always had a love for numbers. “Even in high school, I worked on co-op at a local bank,” she says, explaining how numbers just came naturally to her. “My husband teases me and calls me Rain Man because I remember everything—phone numbers, credit card numbers—you name it.” But Chris isn’t just good with numbers; she’s passionate about using her skills to make a difference in the community.

After a brief two-year stint in California with her husband, where the couple hoped to find a new adventure, they realized that the Midwest—specifically Ottawa—was where they truly belonged. “We thought California was the answer, but after two years in the suburban sprawl of the Anaheim-Fullerton area, we missed the sense of community,” Chris reflects. “We missed walking down the street and having people wave at us, so we came home.” And what a homecoming it’s been.

Since her return, Chris has been deeply involved in Ottawa’s educational and civic life. Her two children attended Ottawa Elementary and graduated from Ottawa High School, and she’s seen firsthand the impact of strong educational programs. Now, as the district’s Business Officer, Chris helps manage the complex finances that keep these programs running. “My favorite part of the job is the budget,” she says with a gleam in her eye. “It’s like putting together a giant puzzle.”

But managing a multi-million-dollar budget for a school district isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about strategy, collaboration, and making tough decisions that balance the needs of students, teachers, and the community. “School business is fund accounting,” Chris explains. “We have nine different funds to work with, and sometimes people want to buy things or start projects, but I always tell them, ‘You can’t buy toilet paper with the ketchup money!’” she laughs. “You have to keep everything separate.”

Despite the challenges of her role, Chris loves the work. “It’s stressful, but I thrive on that challenge,” she admits. “At the end of the day, when everything balances out and the budget comes together, it feels great.” And it’s not just about the numbers for Chris—it’s about ensuring the district has the resources to provide the best possible education for its students. “The ultimate goal is to support our students and make this a better community with great schools.”

One of the most significant changes Chris has seen during her time with the district is the shift to Evidence-Based Funding (EBF), a state funding formula designed to address disparities in school funding across Illinois. “It’s really benefited us,” she says. “It’s a better formula than what we had before. It’s more steady and takes into account the community, student enrollment, and the local tax base.”

As retirement begins to loom on the horizon for Chris, she’s taking it all in stride. “I’m 59 now, and I’m mulling it over,” she says with a smile. “My husband retired a year and a half ago, and we have plans to travel once I do the same.” For a woman who spends her days balancing budgets, Chris is looking forward to trading spreadsheets for fishing poles and long road trips along the East Coast. “We want to start at the top and drive all the way down,” she says, her eyes lighting up at the thought of adventure.

But for now, Chris remains deeply committed to her work in the district. “I love my office,” she says, referring to her workspace fondly as “the cave” where she can focus on her numbers without distractions. And while she may not be a people person while working, outside of her office, Chris is as social as they come, cherishing time spent with friends, family, and her craft projects. “Crafting is like putting together another puzzle,” she says. “Just like my job—it’s all about creating something I’m proud of.”

In the end, Chris Torres has found a way to bring her love of numbers and her passion for community together in one role, proving that sometimes, life’s greatest puzzles are the most rewarding to solve.