GAIT Board Meeting

Columbus  

October 7, 2009

Board members present:

Giselle Escobar, Michelle Lenderman, Ann Hamilton, Lynn Craig, Leslie Wantland, Valerie Ayer, Melissa Underwood, Gordon Baker, Wanda Dunn, Dianne Dees

Giselle Escobar, president, welcomed everyone to the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Leslie Wantland gave the treasurer’s report (included with these minutes). The treasurer’s report was accepted.

There was discussion of a “rolling membership” so that in whatever month a person joined, their membership would be up for renewal that same month of the following year. No decision was made regarding this. Lynn Craig made the motion that membership that was paid at COMO would be good through the following year. Michelle Lenderman seconded the motion.

Other discussion for paying membership dues included the online payment plan using Wachovia. Ann Hamilton was asked to get information from Wachovia about the process and fees for using their services as the online payment option.

Other discussion included the encouragement to those at the colleges/universities to provide membership forms to students.

Awards:

Sheryl Youse has sent a picture for the GAIT Connection. Other pictures are expected from other award winners.

Publications:

Gordon Baker reported that the GAIT Connection is available online and he is currently working on the new issue. He suggested that pictures be taken at the various presentations during COMO and articles be submitted about the sessions for inclusion in the upcoming GAIT Connections. There was discussion of mailing out the next GAIT Connection to include a membership form. Will need to have updated information regarding mail out list.

A suggestion was made to send out invitations to vendors to participate in the “gift basket” for State MSOTY. Follett was very generous this year in donating a gift basket for the State MSOTY.

Student Media Festival:

Congratulations to Gordon Baker and Michelle Lenderman, recipients of the AECT Annual Achievement Award, given in recognition of their work with and dedication to the Student Media Festival. The Student Media Festival will be held April 30, 2010 at Clayton State Professional Development Center. Georgia had 300+ International winners. Information about the winners will be placed on the website. Recognition of the winners may also be placed in the GAIT Connection.

Legislative:

Ann Hamilton mentioned the US Patriot Act. Congratulations to Ann; she has a book being reviewed for publication by ALA.

K-12

Lynn Craig reported the need to get out information about Student Media Festival to the schools. She also indicated a need for media specialists to look out for teachers, for media specialists to become more vocal and proactive in these tough economic times; we need to prove our worth.

Library Day is February 25, 2010.

Lynn Craig made a suggestion that we make a donation to the Clark Dale Elementary School that was destroyed in the recent flooding in the North Georgia area. The motion was to give money to the teachers to enable them to rebuild classroom libraries. The amount to be given was 100.00 per teacher. The motion was well received by the board, and was seconded by Gordon Baker. There was discussion of contacting Donna Lavery, Channel 11 education reporter, and Judy Serritella, GDOE, for the presentation of the funds.

Higher Education

Gordon Baker mentioned the continued budget situation that threatens to reduce the GALILEO services. GIL Express is under fire and the effort is being made to retain this particular service. M. Pinson is monitoring the budget for GALILEO.

COMO Committee

Giselle thanked all on the COMO Committee for their hard work. GAIT was responsible for registration this year. Thanks to Gordon Baker for his support.

Nominations and Elections

Slate of officers for the new term:

President:               Melissa Underwood

President Elect:       Sonja Fox

Treasurer:               Leslie Wantland

Secretary:               Dianne Dees

At large members:

     1.  Yvonne Stewart

     2.  Melissa Allen

     3.   (                 ) Michelle Lenderman will contact a prospective Member at Large

Gordon Baker will investigate using Survey Monkey as an option for doing the online voting.

GAIT Breakfast

Giselle went over the agenda for the breakfast. Asked that someone be sure to get pictures of the award presentations.

For the 5:30 meeting on Thursday, asked that someone be at the door to direct special guests of District winners. Michelle Lenderman and Dianne Dees volunteered to be at the door; Melissa Underwood and Valerie Ayer would be at the front of the meeting room to direct the special guests and district winners to the reserved seating area.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Dianne Dees