Former School Committee Chair Wins Ganley Award
James Banks, Sr., a former chair and longtime member of the Portland School Committee, has received the 2005 Robert B. Ganley Award for his longstanding commitment to children. The award is given in the memory of Portland’s former city manager, Robert Ganley, for his love and dedication to the game of football and his leadership within the communities of Portland and South Portland.
The award is given in the memory of Portland’s former city manager, Robert Ganley, for his love and dedication to the game of football and his leadership within the communities of Portland and South Portland. It is awarded to a Portland resident one year and a South Portland resident the following year. The presentation takes place at the Battle of the Bridge football game between Portland and South Portland high schools.
Banks served on the School Committee for 17 years. He was elected chair of the committee three times. He helped to spearhead Portland High renovations in the 1980s, helped establish the Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament to benefit Portland High’s basketball program and played a key role in restoring lights at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Since 2003, he has served on the East End Elementary School building committee.
Banks worked for 31 years at the Maine Bureau of Liquor Enforcement. He and his wife, Cora, have four children and six grandchildren.
