AUGUSTA - Gov. John E. Baldacci today nominated six members to the Maine State Board of Education: James A. Banks Sr. of Portland; Mabel J. Desmond of Mapleton; 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 are 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,” Gov. Baldacci said.

Banks is a former small business owner, now retired. He served 17 years on the Portland School Board, three years of which as chair.

Desmond is retired. She served as an educator in MSAD 1 for 21 years, including teaching in elementary and high schools. She also served as a University of Maine Presque Isle adjunct faculty member in education.

Dionne has served on the Maine State Board of Education since 1992. He has been self-employed since 1972.

Goldman served as the District 121 state representative from 2004 to 2006. Prior to that experience, Goldman served as assistant professor at St. Joseph’s College. She has since retired.

Parkin has been employed at Cross Insurance in Lewiston for 31 years, where he now serves as account executive vice president and benefits manager.

Tardy is self-employed. She previously taught in the MSAD 38 and MSAD 23 school systems.

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. The governor’s nominations must be reviewed by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and confirmed by the Senate.