Governor nominates Desmond to state Board of Education

    AUGUSTA, Maine – Gov. John E. Baldacci has nominated six members to the Board of Education including Mabel J. Desmond of Mapleton.
Desmond, who is retired, served as an educator in SAD 1 for 21 years, including teaching in elementary and high schools. She also served as a University of Maine at Presque Isle adjunct faculty member in education.     Desmond served four terms in the Maine State House of Representatives from 1994 to 2002, where she focused on education issues. She received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and a M.Ed. at the University of Maine.
Others nominated to the Board of Education include James A. Banks Sr. of Portland; Philip A. Dionne of Brunswick; Constance Goldman of Cape Elizabeth; Michael C. Parkin of Lewiston; and Marilyn Temple Tardy of Palmyra. Dionne is being reappointed; the other five nominees constitute new appointments.
“These individuals will use their leadership and experience to provide thoughtful policy advice during a critical time of change in our state education system,” Baldacci said. “Combined, these members bring a great level of expertise, including teaching, administration and oversight of local education systems.
“This array of experience, combined with lifelong commitment to the children of this state, will help guide these nominees as my plan for school administration consolidation is implemented,” he said. “There are unique opportunities in Maine to transition our education system into one that will fully meet the workforce and economic needs of Maine into the future.”
The Maine State Board of Education is authorized to act in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner of Education in matters concerning state laws relating to education. Among additional charges, the board is delegated specific powers to make recommendations to the Legislature for the efficient conduct of the public schools; to approve the formation of School Administrative Districts; to establish requirements for approval and accreditation of elementary and secondary schools; to grant permission for administrative units to enter into agreements for cooperative educational purposes; to approve standards for school construction; and to approve school construction projects for state aid.
The Governor’s nominations must be reviewed by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and confirmed by the Senate.