School Library Media Center Certification: Greg Pronevitz explained that letters containing the following language were sent to the Superintendents, Principals, and Librarians of two schools that no longer met membership eligibility requirements.

"We are compelled to take this step because policies governing our operations require it. If we are mistaken and your school does employ a certified library media specialist, please complete the enclosed "Eligibility Verification Form" and return it to me. If we do not receive a valid form, the NMRLS Executive Board will consider removal of your library's membership at its meeting on March 26, 2003…This letter shall serve as your notice of this meeting."

NMRLS has not received a completed "Eligibility Verification Form" or a response from either school. It was recommended that these two schools be removed from NMRLS membership. The Executive Board approved this recommendation unanimously. Reference Committee Database Recommendations: Greg Pronevitz distributed a copy of Reference Database License Renewal Recommendations and summarized the Committee's thinking on the matter. Due to budget cuts, it appears that NMRLS will not be able to renew three of its current contracts. An announcement to the membership will be made when negotiations are finalized. The group discussed how losing certain resources would impact the different library types in the region.

Legislative Update: Greg Pronevitz informed the group that the Legislative Breakfast held on February 28 at the Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen had a good turnout. He reminded people about MLA Legislative Day on April 2 and that the house budget is planned on 4/23/03 (debate to begin on 4/30/03), a week earlier than originally expected.

Mary Behrle attended the joint (CMRLS & NMRLS) Legislative Breakfast in Dunstable on March 7, 2003. She said that there was also a good turn out. She then discussed the FY2004 budget hearing she attended on March 14, 2003. Peter Nessen, the new Secretary (designate), Executive Office of Education, and Robert Maier, Director of the MBLC were both in attendance. Mr. Maier made his case on behalf of the library community, to members of the House and Senate Ways and Means Committee.

School Library Orientations: Susan Babb informed the group about the first of four NMRLS/MSLMA sponsored orientations to be held in the region this spring. Held at Phillips Academy, the meeting had an enthusiastic turnout of 20 participants. She added that, by taking this program "on the road" she hopes to reach and inform more school librarians regarding NMRLS and MSLMA services.

NMRLS Grant Applications: Mary Behrle reported that NMRLS has applied for three grants - two LSTA grants (digitization and libraries for the future) and one from the Boston Foundation to support leadership training.