Governor's Okay Makes North Andover Select Board Rename Official

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The North Andover Select Board's gender-neutral name became official with Gov. Charlie Baker's approval, the town said Wednesday.

Town meeting voters approved the change from Board of Selectmen in June, but it required state legislation to go into effect. The town confirmed Wednesday that Baker signed H.4989, the bill authorizing the change.

A number of other municipalities around the state have changed their Boards of Selectmen and Aldermen's names in recent years, with the state consistently giving its approval. Andover switched over to a Select Board in 2019.

Former Select Board member Regina Kean proposed the warrant article to change the name.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.