Massachusetts School Library Association
October 1, 2016
Retreat Meeting, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Westborough High School
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Executive Summary
The Executive Board met on Saturday, October 1, for a retreat style meeting. Board members listened to guest speakers, discussed old business, new policy language, legislative day, awards, MassCUE, website updates, and action plans. After large group discussion, the Board broke into small groups to work on reports and other action items.
Heifer International
Speakers Laurie Wodin and Kate Sheehan opened the retreat with an informational presentation about the Heifer International Read to Feed Program. Laurie Wodin is a retired librarian from Hopedale Memorial Elementary and discussed the successful program she ran in her library. Kate Sheehan, Community Volunteer Coordinator for Heifer International (Boston), spoke about the local Heifer farm in Rutland and provided additional information about finding sponsors and the benefits of visiting the farm. While the MSLA Executive Board acknowledges the global impact of the initiative and supports individual schools and districts becoming involved in the Read to Feed Program, the Executive Board decided not to make Heifer International an organizational mission after thoughtful consideration of the economic challenges that may prohibit some schools from participating.
Vote - Policy Language Change for Travel
The Board discussed and voted on a proposed policy language change regarding MSLA national conference reimbursements.
Current policy:
National Conference Reimbursement: Reimbursable expenses include conference registration fees and associated travel costs up to $5000 for a maximum of 5 attendees. Each attendee will be responsible for any overage. Reimbursements will be provided upon presentation of receipts. Members will reimburse MSLA if they must cancel registrations and/or reservations that are not 100% refundable and previously paid by the organization.
Proposed policy:
National Conference Reimbursement: Reimbursable expenses include conference registration fees, associated travel costs, and hotel at the double occupancy rate up to $1000 per attendee for a maximum of 5 attendees. Each attendee will be responsible for any overage. Qualifying expenses may be paid in advance on the MSLA credit card with permission of the Executive Director or reimbursements will be provided upon presentation of receipts. Members will reimburse MSLA if they must cancel registrations and/or reservations that are not 100% refundable and previously paid by the organization.
The Board approved the language change, and will vote a second time at the November meeting to complete the approval process to adopt the policy language change.
MSLA/MassCUE
Even though several MSLA librarians had presentations scheduled for MassCUE, which was held October 19 & 20, 2016, there was still one slot open for an MSLA presentation. Board members suggested including in the presentation information on database usage in our libraries, overview of ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), technology related learning goals of our library programs.
Miscellaneous
Board members worked in groups to complete action plans to submit to Anita for inclusion in one document that will align with the Strategic Plan. During the afternoon, board members worked in small groups to update their website pages, as well as plan future activities and projects. The next meeting will be November 16, 2016.
October 1, 2016
Retreat Meeting, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Westborough High School
View Full Minutes
Executive Summary
The Executive Board met on Saturday, October 1, for a retreat style meeting. Board members listened to guest speakers, discussed old business, new policy language, legislative day, awards, MassCUE, website updates, and action plans. After large group discussion, the Board broke into small groups to work on reports and other action items.
Heifer International
Speakers Laurie Wodin and Kate Sheehan opened the retreat with an informational presentation about the Heifer International Read to Feed Program. Laurie Wodin is a retired librarian from Hopedale Memorial Elementary and discussed the successful program she ran in her library. Kate Sheehan, Community Volunteer Coordinator for Heifer International (Boston), spoke about the local Heifer farm in Rutland and provided additional information about finding sponsors and the benefits of visiting the farm. While the MSLA Executive Board acknowledges the global impact of the initiative and supports individual schools and districts becoming involved in the Read to Feed Program, the Executive Board decided not to make Heifer International an organizational mission after thoughtful consideration of the economic challenges that may prohibit some schools from participating.
Vote - Policy Language Change for Travel
The Board discussed and voted on a proposed policy language change regarding MSLA national conference reimbursements.
Current policy:
National Conference Reimbursement: Reimbursable expenses include conference registration fees and associated travel costs up to $5000 for a maximum of 5 attendees. Each attendee will be responsible for any overage. Reimbursements will be provided upon presentation of receipts. Members will reimburse MSLA if they must cancel registrations and/or reservations that are not 100% refundable and previously paid by the organization.
Proposed policy:
National Conference Reimbursement: Reimbursable expenses include conference registration fees, associated travel costs, and hotel at the double occupancy rate up to $1000 per attendee for a maximum of 5 attendees. Each attendee will be responsible for any overage. Qualifying expenses may be paid in advance on the MSLA credit card with permission of the Executive Director or reimbursements will be provided upon presentation of receipts. Members will reimburse MSLA if they must cancel registrations and/or reservations that are not 100% refundable and previously paid by the organization.
The Board approved the language change, and will vote a second time at the November meeting to complete the approval process to adopt the policy language change.
MSLA/MassCUE
Even though several MSLA librarians had presentations scheduled for MassCUE, which was held October 19 & 20, 2016, there was still one slot open for an MSLA presentation. Board members suggested including in the presentation information on database usage in our libraries, overview of ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), technology related learning goals of our library programs.
Miscellaneous
Board members worked in groups to complete action plans to submit to Anita for inclusion in one document that will align with the Strategic Plan. During the afternoon, board members worked in small groups to update their website pages, as well as plan future activities and projects. The next meeting will be November 16, 2016.
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