I was finally able to talk to my representative from Scholastic today. She
has been trying to reach me this week, but due to having to run the book fair
and work with some computer problems from the virus...I just got around to
returning the call. Anyway, apparently Scholastic received a copy of my original
e-mail and has been reviewing discussions on the list_serv and know of our
concerns.
Lynn (my rep. who has to be the greatest one in Scholastic company) said that
the concerns have been a much discussed topic in meetings. The Reading
Bonanza box is still a new item and the quality of books I received is being
addressed. Lynn is sending me books that will hopefully better fit the age(s) at my
school. I did tell her that students/teachers being able to select the books
as prizes from the shelves was a big deal for them and for us.
In respect to Scholastic, Lynn said the reason this format has started is due
to the volume of books that "disappear" and has cut into Scholastic's budget.
If I remember correctly, it was in the 100's of thousands of dollars. I
guess by doing this, Scholastic is trying to better track any missing books.
From the book fairs I have used (School Book Fairs...going back over 10 years
ago, Troll, etc.) they have always been the most well stocked, most in variety
and quality, etc. I also know that my primary reason for going to Scholastic
for two fairs was because of my representative (Lynn Flaum) and at the time
Scholastic offered an incentive for 35% profits on 2nd fairs. I have a variety
of reps, and a good one will help you be a success...even if your fair doesn't
do that well.
Also, I opted for the full cash profit at this book fair. Since I had my
book fair so early, I will get a 20% gift certificate redeemable for free books
at a warehouse sale. I'm still a little unclear, but believe that any books I
get free will have to come from the warehouse sale fair. Lynn did say that
someone else in the Scholastic Company wants to talk to me so I asked her to
have him wait and call me on Monday after I have finished with the book fair. I
do plan on sharing many of the concerns I have, as well as, the ones I can
remember that have been posted or sent to me. I will let you all know the
results when I learn something.
I understand that Scholastic is a business. I hate that many are being
punished for something a few are probably doing or perhaps it's just mismanagement.
I still like the idea better of getting the books directly from the shelves
for prizes and will ask if there is some possibility that this could be
revised. I know years ago Scholastic used to send vouchers that could be used.
This might be an option to better track what is taken. I do not mind indicating
the retail price of all the prizes.
Best wishes,
Tony Pope, Library Media Specialist
McHenry Primary School
100 McHenry Drive
Rome, GA 30161
Pope1966@aol.com
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