State Board of Education Members

Ann Weisleder, Chair is a resident of Bangor. She is a retired teacher who previously lived and worked in Corinth and MSAD 64. A career long advocate for quality public education, Ann has brought her background and experience in the field of education along with her experience as a representative appointed to various education practice and policy related statewide committees to the State Board of Education. She currently serves the board as Chair of the Certification and Higher Education Committee. Ann's committment to lifelong learning has led to her participation as a Board member of Penobscot Valley Senior College.

Connie Goldman, Vice Chair is a resident of Cape Elizabeth. She has been involved in education all of her professional life in one capacity or another. Connie was an English teacher for 15 years, a junior school administrator for four years, served as superintendent of Gorham schools from 1983 - 1990 and Cape Elizabeth schools from 1990 - 1996. She has also served as an interim superintendent on North Haven Island, as an assistant professor in Saint Joseph's College Distance Education Programs and on numerous state policy committees. Connie served one term as a representative in the Maine State Legislature on the education committee.

James W. Carignan is a Harpswell resident. Mr. Carignan is retired from Bates College, which is located in Lewiston, Maine where he taught history and served as Dean of the College. His knowledge and background in higher education adds an important dimension to the Board.

Philip A. Dionne was born, raised, and still resides in Brunswick, Maine. He owns and operates Philip A. Dionne, General Construction, which is also located in Brunswick. His expertise and interest has lead him to become a strong advocate for Career Technical Education, Chair of the Maine Jobs Council, a board director for Jobs for Maine Graduates, Vice-Chair of State Apprenticeship Council, Steering Committee of the Maine North Star Alliance, and Advisory Committee of the Maine Readiness Campaign. Phil was awarded the Distinguished Service to Education in Maine award by the Maine Supt. Assoc. in 1995.

Jean K. Gulliver is a resident of Falmouth. Her commitment and strong belief that technology is for all citizens has prompted her to be involved in several initiatives in which technology can be used to benefit not only the citizens of Maine, but the public as a whole. She is interested in many aspects of public policy affecting children and is also a member of the Board of Youth Alternatives.

James Banks, Sr. is a resident of Portland. Mr. Banks is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a BA in Criminal Justice. He is retired from the Maine Department of Safety. Through the years, Jim has been involved in many local and state community activities such as the Portland School Board as a member for more than 17 years and its Chair for 3 years; Maine State School Board Association as a member for 12 years and President. Jim is a member of the Portland Kiwanis Club and is a Past Governor of the New England District of Kiwanis. He has received many awards for his public service and in 2005 he received the Robert B. Ganley Award for Distinguished Community Service with special emphasis on children. He continues to enhance his personal commitment to the education of children in the State of Maine.

Marilyn Temple Tardy is a resident of Palmyra. She has been involved in public education for many years. Marilyn has been a class room teacher and served as a school board member in MSAD #48 for 17 years. She continues to be an advocate for music, theater and sports programs that provide educational and enrichment opportunities for Maine Youth.

Mabel Desmond is a resident of Mapleton. She served as an educator in MSAD 1 for 21 years. Mabel also served as a University of Maine Presque Isle adjunct faculty member in education. She served four terms in the Maine State House of Representatives, from 1994 to 2002, where she focused on education issues.

Honor Wilkinson is a Junior at Calias High School. She is one of two student members appointed to the Board by the Governor in April of 2008. Honor is a Student Council Representative and has served on many committees. She is a member of the Drama Club, Civil Rights Team, Math Team and United States Academic Decathlon Honors Team. Honor is a columnist for the local newspaper, and she served as Class President her Sophomore year at Calais High. She plays soccer, softball, basketball and has received many atheletic awards and honors. As a member of the Board, Honor plans to bring the voice of rural Maine to Augusta and bring understanding of the Board back to the people and students it serves.

Justin Chenette is a Senior at Thornton Academy in Saco. He is one of two student members appointed to the Board by the Governor in April of 2008. He is the Executive Producer of Thornton Academy's TV station and is serving as a liason between the school's newspaper Carpe Diem and TATV. Justin is a Student Council Representative, served as an Ambassador for Hugh O'Brian Youth World Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C., a member of the French Club, and a member of the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble. He has received achievement awards in Advanced Television Productions. Justin plans to organize several forums in Southern Maine to speak with students and hear their concerns about the direction of education.

State Board of Education Information

State Board of Education Members