Lexington Officially Makes Switch To 'Select Board'

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington jumped it's final hurdle on Thursday in becoming a more inclusive and gender neutral municipality. The town was officially given approval to change the title "Board of Selectmen" to "Select Board." The proposal was introduced and voted on during annual Town Meeting in March 2019.

The town announced on Thursday, after passing votes in Town Meeting, the legislature and going through the Governor's office, the new name was officially approved. The proposal was supported unanimously by the current board, which is made up of two women and three men.

The term "selectmen" traces back to the 17th century, when New England was first colonized and the town meeting form of government was established.

Lexington follows in the footsteps of countless other municipalities in the state including Concord, Sudbury, Somerville, Brookline, Needham and most recently, Melrose. Melrose was once the only Board of Aldermen left in the state, but made the switch to "City Council" to be gender neutral.

Lexington's town website already lists the title as "Select board" under the boards and committees tab.