The North Andover School Committee voted unanimously at its March 20 meeting to approve the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Kristen Ando (interim assistant superintendent and humanities director) to the permanent position of assistant superintendent for teaching and learning.

Superintendent Pam Lathrop introduced Ando and reviewed her experience: the superintendent said Ando has eight years in North Andover in curriculum leadership roles, earlier service in Lawrence public schools, a BA in education from Boston College, a master’s in special education and a CAGS in educational leadership from Salem State University, and adjunct teaching experience at regional colleges. Lathrop said Ando oversees preK–12 humanities, ESL and reading supports and “has stepped up to the plate in more ways than one.”

A school committee member moved and the committee seconded the superintendent’s recommendation. The motion carried with an on‑record voice vote with all members present voting yes.

During the public‑comment portion of the meeting a resident urged the committee to adopt open searches for important leadership positions, saying the public was disappointed when administrators were appointed without considering outside candidates. The speaker said the concern was about process, not the individual. The committee did not take a vote on search‑process changes at the meeting.

The superintendent said the district would respect the community’s interest and the administration thanked the committee for approving Ando’s appointment. Ando told the committee she would focus on teacher development, high‑quality instructional materials and continuity across grades if confirmed in the role.