Raynham Selectmen backing proposal to change name to "Select Board."
The decision came during their April 1 meeting.
RAYNHAM - April 1, 2025 - Selectman Pat Riley, who put forward the idea, said it was inspired by local Girl Scouts and members of a women's panel. "They asked why it isn't called the select board," Riley explained.
Riley pointed out that even the Massachusetts Municipal Association now uses the term "Massachusetts Association of Select Boards."
The proposed change would update the town's general bylaws, swapping "Board of Selectmen" and "Selectmen" for "Select Board" and "members of the Select Board." It would also ensure gender-neutral language throughout the bylaws.
Town Administrator Gregory Barnes confirmed this is Raynham's first formal proposal for such a name change at a town meeting.
"In six years, we'll be 300 years old," Riley noted, highlighting the town's long history.
Residents will have their say on the name change at the annual town meeting, set for 7 p.m. on May 19 at the Raynham Middle School auditorium.