The Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) has presented the 2025 Donald D. Johnson Operations & Cost Efficiency Award to the North Attleborough Public Schools. Gilbert Lefort II, Finance Director for the school district, accepted the award.
The award honors school districts for creating effective, efficient, replicable solutions that address common operational challenges in the Commonwealth's K-12 public education space. It is named after Don Johnson, a Past President and former Executive Director of MASBO. The award is sponsored this year by VOYA Financial and includes a $3,000 scholarship for a student in the district.
In presenting the award, MASBO Executive Director Margaret Driscoll highlighted Mr. Lefort’s “visionary leadership,” saying that since his promotion to the position in 2024, he “has ushered in a new era of fiscal responsibility and operational modernization in the district.”
Ms. Driscoll said that in his first year in the role, Mr. Lefort worked collaboratively with leadership to transform the school business office, instilling a clear focus on efficiency, cost savings, and service excellence. Recognizing the financial pressures that many municipal departments faced amid rising costs, he led the implementation of a streamlined procurement system that benefits every level of the district – from classroom needs of students and educators to maintenance and food services teams. By partnering with online vendors that offer competitive pricing, expedited delivery, and user-friendly ordering platforms, Mr. Lefort and his team introduced a smarter, faster, and more accountable way of doing business. These changes have resulted in significant cost savings and improved service delivery.
Ms. Driscoll added, “This award is not just a recognition of financial stewardship. It is a celebration of what is possible when strategic thinking meets teamwork and a deep commitment to student success.”
Mr. Lefort began his tenure in North Attleborough Public Schools in 2022 as School Business Operations Manager. He had previously worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.