Falmouth Middle School 

Members present:  Eileen Broderick, Sue Leiter, Gretchen Asam, Nancy B. Grant, Teri Caouette, Toni Buzzeo, Peggy Becksvoort, Edna Comstock, Kelley McDaniel, Sylvia K. Norton, Donna Chale, Joyce Lucas.  Guests present: Debbie Gahm, Janet L. Patterson

The meeting was called to order by president Teri Caouette at 9:15 AM.

Toni shared a recording of her appearance on the news program 207.

Secretary's Report: The secretary's report for the December meeting were accepted with clarification of the Affiliate Assembly section pending. 

Treasurer's Report:  The treasurer's report was accepted as amended (expense date, etc.).  Edna reported that we now have 200 members but she is hoping to get 300.   $6000.00 has come in from the conference, but more is expected.

Fran's Memorial Service and donation: The family was pleased that librarians showed up for the memorial service.  Edna, Teri and Sylvia remarked on the way Fran went beyond her school, making her a fine example of LMS of the Year.  Edna suggested doing more with the money than just a donation, something that might have more impact.  Toni and Sylvia will work together to develop criteria for bringing in a quality program at conference in Fran's honor.  Gail was commended for the tribute she put on the web site.

Presentation of the SLMS of the Year Award:  Teri presented the SMLS plaque to Freeport's Mary Moore during a faculty meeting at her school.

DOE and Literacy Standards:  Sylvia asked for input on a draft document sponsored by the Maine Department of Education titled, Universal Literacy Elements for Deeper and More Powerful Content Learning.  Feedback was offered and she will take the suggestions back to the committee.

Spring Conference:  Teri gave a draft handout of the SMLD Council meeting.  The original plans the Spring Fling fell through so the board discussed other options.  It was decided that we would not have Spring Fling this year but would connect at the fall conference (Nov. 4, 5, & 6) where the focus will be on technology and/or literacy.  There will also be the possibility of a scholarship for those who would like to attend the NEEMA conference.  Edna asked for a date for next year's spring conference.  March 29, 2008 was the tentative date set.  A suggestion was made to have a pre-conference rather than post at the fall conference.  Kelly recommended Wendy Walker's program on "Destruction of Libraries."

Joint Legislative Committee Request:  Edna asked for money to defray the cost of lobbyists.  The money would be distributed by the Maine Cultural Alliance.  MLA gave $5000.00 and because we have half their membership, it was suggested that we give $2500.00.  Peggy made a motion to give $2500.00 to the Maine Cultural Alliance to advocate for support.  Janet seconded the motion.  The motion carried.  Teri will write a letter to notify the committee.  The funds will come out of legislative costs. 

Affiliate Assembly:  Teri & Kelley will go to the ALA conference in June.  Others interested should contact Teri.

AASL Vision Summit:  Peggy shared a virtual graduation speech from the year 2020 which she learned about from AASL.

MASL website questions from Gail:  Teri handed out questions from Gail Garthwait and asked members to contact Gail if the questions apply to them.

Conference Committee:  The program form will be out soon.  Edna will give co-committee members a schedule.

Other: 

• Our next meeting will be in Augusta with a conference meeting following.
• Nancy and Donna agreed to serve on the Advisory Board of the Maine Libraries Fund. 
• Agreed to support the Maine Student Book Award program.
• Janet Patterson agreed to serve on the board as a support staff representative.