Executive Summary Minutes Board Meeting 2-12-2019

Massachusetts School Library Association  Executive Board meeting  February 12, 2019 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Virtual Meeting

Attending:
Michael Caligiuri, Co-Director Central Region
Jennifer Dimmick, Secretary
Maria D’Orsi, Co-Director Metrowest Region
Deeth Ellis, Advocacy Co-Chair
Pat Fontes, Awards
Sarah Forfa, Co-Director West Region
Wendy Garland, Awards
Laura Harrington, Co-Director Northeast Region
Emily Kristofek, Office Manager
Laura Luker, President
Ingrid Mayyasi, Awards
Greg Pronevitz, Director of Outreach
Claudia Palframan, Co-Director West Region 
Katherine Steiger, Forum Co-Editor
Georgina Trebbe, Advocacy
Carrie Tucker, Past President
Morgan Van Clief, Co-Director Boston Region
Jen Varney, Treasurer
Alex Woznick, Professional Learning

Reports and minutes of January meeting were approved.

The board observed a moment of silence honoring Carolyn Markuson who recently passed away. Laura Luker noted that MSLA will make a contribution to her school in keeping with our tradition.

Housekeeping items --- Laura Luker
Reminder about ALA election—March 9-April 1      

Special guest --- Steven Yates, candidate for ALA President https://www.voteyatesala.com. Steven presented his background and his platform. He encouraged members to send questions to him at steven.d.yates@ua.edu, or steven@voteyatesala.com 

The second candidate is Patty Wong: Patty Wong for ALA President 2020: Home. Laura will reach out to her about being a special guest at a future board meeting.

Deb Kachel/Keith Curry Lance IMLS Grant Support --- Laura Luker
General support from the board was given for this grant application.

Advocacy report --- Greg Pronevitz, Deeth Ellis, and/or Georgina Trebbe
“Call to action” possibilities: a table at the conference where members can log on and send messages to their representatives for the bill introduced by Sen. Amy Kloubuchar (D-MN), Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act, and other related legislation. Also considering a call to action relating to the census of school libraries in MA (e.g., Librarians check their district/school for accuracy of information)

Met with Sue Doherty who works on advocacy for librarians within the MTA.

Made changes to the advocacy website, including a page devoted to everyday advocacy -- the team welcomes feedback. Trying to encourage people to advocate every day, not just when there’s a crisis. They’re developing materials for presenting and key articles to share with the administration of a school and/or district.

Submitted a letter to the leadership of Sharon public schools as a result of possible cut at the high school. Boston is also potentially cutting positions. Deeth Ellis may testify at an upcoming Boston school committee meeting.

Georgina Trebbe applied for but did not get the NEASC position but is waiting to hear whether another school librarian has.

Morgan Van Clief is hosting a legislative breakfast at the PA Shaw in Boston on March 20th. She is waiting to hear about potential attendees. 20th. 

Drafted a letter for Laura Luker’s Senator’s (Comerford) office to DESE to request a census of school libraries, librarians, and library services. Reminder of legislative breakfasts - please try to attend!

Recommendations from presidential nominating committee - Carrie Tucker.  Board approved this nomination of Jen Varney as MSLA President-Elect. 

Awards updates --- Wendy Garland, Pat Fontes, and Ingrid Mayyasi Award recommendations presented and approved by the Board.

​Professional learning  --- Emily Kristofek presented update on conference logistics

Adjourn 

​Upcoming events
3/29-3/30/20 MSLA conference, “We Can Do It: School Libraries Build Strong Communities”, Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
4/2/20 Library Legislative Day, Boston

​Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dimmick