Executive Summary Minutes Board Meeting 1-13-2020

Massachusetts School Library Association ; Executive Board meeting 
January 13, 2020 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM; Virtual Meeting

Attending:
Jennifer Dimmick, Secretary
Patsy Divver, Co-Director Metrowest Region
Maria D’Orsi, Co-Director Metrowest Region
Deeth Ellis, Co-Director Boston Region
Sarah Forfa, Co-Director West Region
Barb Fecteau, Co-Director Northeast Region
Michelle Fontaine, Treasurer
Wendy Garland, Awards
Alida Hanson, Professional Learning
Morgan Koehane, Co-Director Boston Region
Emily Kristofek, Office Manager
Laura Luker, President
Claudia Palframan, Co-Director Western Region
Greg Pronevitz, Director of Outreach
Reba Tierney, Forum Co-Editor
Carrie Tucker, Co-Director Southeast Region
Georgina Trebbe, Advocacy
Pamela Vallee, Co-Director Central Region
Jen Varney, President Elect

Welcome, call to order --- Laura Luker
Reports and minutes of December meeting were approved.

AASL letter UPDATE - this has been sent. 48 states signed on; 2 states who did not likely do not have a state school library association

Awards committee update --- Wendy Garland

• The recommend slate of award winners presented by the awards committee was approved

Treasurer --- Michelle Fontaine

• Nothing new to report

Advocacy --- Georgina Trebbe

• MBLC PR subcommittee will focus on librarians’ role in supporting early literacy; need to determine how MLS and MSLA can work together on this; MBLC will then do promotions for us once we determine what we want to do. 

Outreach --- Greg Pronevitz

• MLA advocacy meeting was really interesting and great to be included as school librarians.
• Partnership with EveryLibrary and MLA is moving forward and folks are really engaged - preparing orientation to MA libraries for elected officials covering:
  • Literacy (early and adult)
  • Equity
  • Centers for community
  • Workforce and career development
  • College readiness
  • Technology
  • Economic development
• Legislative committee meeting last week: MBLC reported that budgets look good this year (MA likely benefited from investment income). Will seek 3% increases for all budget lines except more will be requested for State Aid to Public Libraries.  As done last year, MSLA should consider endorsing the Agenda, once it’s final.
• During the meeting James Lonergan suggested that someone at NESLA may have a connection to Miguel Cardona, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for Secretary of Education.  He is currently top of CT Ed Dept. If so, a communications plan might be in order.
• Library Legislative day is tentatively scheduled from April 6,7, 8, likely with a regional focus again. Greg will be seeking librarians to present the school library perspective. 
• Discussed legislative breakfasts, noting that last year they didn’t really work out. This year the pandemic will interfere. Greg would be happy to organize a virtual meeting if someone wants to volunteer to virtually host one. 

Conference --- Alida Hanson and Alix Woznick

• Many sessions all set
• Working on author panels now
• Planning to open registration on January 19

Other news/topics from board members --- Patsy Divver

• Maria D’Orsi, Barb Fecteau, and Laura Harrington will be presenting together - conference presentation on what it’s like being on the board. 
• Georgina Trebbe - if you’re not getting the ALA Connect member updates, you should consider getting them. Very interesting thread right now on legislation regarding school librarians

Meeting adjourned.


Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dimmick