Pound elected chair of State Board of Education

 AUGUSTA – The State Board of Education elected Steven M. Pound, PhD., to be the new chair and Nancy S. Perkins to be the new vice chair at its June meeting. Both were elected to one-year terms in the leadership roles beginning July 1.   Pound, born in Millinocket and a resident of Greenville, has served on the board since 2009 and replaces James Banks, Sr. He has over 30 years’ experience in education, including early childhood, K-12, technical college, adult education and university. Pound is also known as a successful fundraiser. His recent education positions include superintendent of schools in School Union 60 for Greenville and the surrounding area, as well as director of Adult and Community Education for the Greenville School Department.

  Pound is currently the associate director of workforce development for Cianbro Corporation, where he provides career development for team members through training and lifelong learning initiatives. Pound’s responsibilities at Cianbro include partnering with community colleges, technical schools, career centers, government and businesses to deliver cost-effective and efficient programming to benefit each team member while meeting the needs of current and future projects.
  Perkins, the new vice chair, is a resident of Cornish. She has spent much of her life in various roles in education. She retired from public education after 30 years but has remained involved. She believes strongly in public service and is currently a selectman in Cornish and is the director of the Riverside Food Pantry.
  The Maine State Board of Education acts in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner of Education in matters concerning state laws relating to education. In addition, the Board is delegated specific powers, including: to make recommendations to the Legislature for the efficient conduct of the public schools; to approve the formation of school administrative units; to establish requirements for approval and accreditation of elementary and secondary schools; to approve standards for school construction and approve school construction projects; and to obtain information regarding applications for granting degrees.