School Library Media Center Recertification: Greg Pronevitz explained that we have received certification verification from all schools that were not finalized from last year's re-certification process. This process was put on hold during hearings to revise the requirements. Four school library media centers do not meet our criteria or remain eligible for membership. The Executive Board approved recommendations to waive requirements on a one-time basis for two schools that expect to meet them by May and to remove two school library media centers from NMRLS membership. Greg explained that a decertified library may re-apply for NMRLS membership when it meets eligibility requirements. A letter will be sent to the superintendent and principal of the schools that are not eligible for membership with a copy going to the librarians to inform them that this action will be taken at the next NMRLS Executive Board Meeting.

Board Development Committee's Leadership Event - June 4 , 2003: Doug Rendell explained that the Board Development Committee replaces the Nominating Committee and stems from the board development workshops facilitated by Judi Freiwirth in Spring and Fall 2002. Some discussion points at the first Committee meeting in December were:

• The need to identify and recruit volunteers and cultivate committee/board membership in order to have a pool of candidates prepared for leadership roles in NMRLS.
• Professional development opportunities as a perk for volunteerism that might include leadership enhancement training, tips on managing and motivating staff, and running successful meetings.
• Encourage committees to work well together, bring recommendations to the full Executive Board, and to review their goals each year.
• Newsletter articles can be used as a tool to develop NMRLS volunteers and leaders.
• A handout would be produced to outline the philosophy of board development.
• A leadership speaker would be selected to attend a Spring meeting and NMRLS Committee members will be invited. Marshall Keys will be the facilitator of the June 4 event and will be using "Leadership" as his focus.

Legislative Education Committee: Greg Pronevitz reviewed the Committee charge and asked what should be addressed in the short-term. The Board felt that the issue of fees for service vs. free for all should be addressed; that the Committee should design a one-page sheet of tips that included things that have worked and things that have not with regard to successful communication with legislators; and that former legislators might be good people to contact for advice.

Gift from ECCL: Susan Grabski explained that NMRLS had received a donation of $7,387 from the Essex County Cooperating Libraries and asked what the Board felt about how the money should be spent. Some suggestions for its use are as follows: payment of electronic database subscriptions, support of union listings, and using it as an in-kind match for grant opportunities.

Calendar of Upcoming Meetings: Susan Grabski polled Board members via e-mail regarding March, April, May, and June Board meeting dates. After some discussion the Board agreed to the following schedule:

• Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  Peabody Institute Library, Danvers
• Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  Location TBA
• Wednesday, May 28, 2003- 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  Location TBA
• Wednesday, June 4, 2003 - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  (Board Meeting 11-12 & Development Session 12-4)