The Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) has presented the 2026 President’s Award to Heidi Zimmerman, Finance & Operations Manager for the Special Education Department of the Lexington Public Schools. Ms. Zimmerman accepted the award at the association’s recent 60th Annual Institute in Falmouth.
Susan Bottan, who has served as President of the MASBO Board of Directors over the past year, announced the award at the association’s recent Annual Institute in Falmouth. Ms. Bottan, who is the Director of Finance for the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District, said, “What truly sets Heidi apart is her mastery of one of the most challenging landscapes in our field: special education finance. In a field where the complexities of legal mandates and budgetary constraints often collide, she has emerged as a visionary and definitive authority.”
Ms. Bottan commended Ms. Zimmerman for facilitating numerous workshops and presentations for her colleagues on various topics related to special education finance.
Ms. Zimmerman has served in her current role for 17 years. She previously worked as School Business Manager for the Carlisle (K-8) Public Schools and Beverly Public Schools, as well as attorney for the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General.
On receiving the President’s Award, Ms. Zimmerman said, “Being a school business official is doing the unseen, critical work to ensure the best education possible. Being the first of only a few who focus on special education finance has been challenging and rewarding. MASBO has provided me with the opportunity to share my knowledge with other districts so that all the Commonwealth’s students, to the best of their ability, have the opportunity to develop and contribute to our society. I am humbled and honored to receive this award.”
A resident of Belmont, Ms. Zimmerman earned her law degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University, a Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University.
The MASBO President’s Award is sponsored by Boston Business Technologies and includes a $2,000 contribution to the winner’s school district in their name.