School Specialty Introduces the 21st Century Safe School Concept

GREENVILLE, Wis., June 26, 2017 -- When K-12 educators build a contemporary learning environment, the suite of tools used in the space is greater than the sum of its parts. Teachers and students need classroom resources to work cohesively to support all learning initiatives. To address this need, School Specialty, Inc. (OTCQB:SCOO) (“School Specialty”, “SSI” or “the Company”), a leading distributor of supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources to the education, healthcare and other marketplaces, is excited to announce today the concept of the 21^st Century Safe School. This concept involves a holistic approach to designing and equipping school environments in order to ensure safe, successful and forward-thinking learning experiences.

“After purchasing a classroom tool, such as a 3D printer, teachers are often left wondering where the resource fits in their current classroom environment or makerspace and what to do next,” said Jason Heim, a middle school science teacher from Medfield, Massachusetts. “With a one-stop-shop like School Specialty for education resources, educators can be assured that each product will support one another in the learning environment.”

As educators select the tools to support a dynamic learning environment, School Specialty is strategically positioned as a holistic provider of products and services for the needs of each classroom, including collaboration areas and makerspaces. The Company works with a team of experts to develop innovative technology solutions, standards-based curriculum, furniture, safety and security, and more to enable educators to build a comprehensive learning environment. Educators receive expert assistance for implementation from onsite support, ensuring that each piece fits seamlessly into the overall environment.

“Each district comes to a purchasing decision with a distinct budget and situation, which can make it challenging to build a modern classroom environment or makerspace tool by tool,” stated Doug Welles, Vice President, Specialty Businesses. “By working with School Specialty’s holistic set of solutions, schools can fully address the complexities of today’s classroom while fostering a safe, secure learning space.”

School Specialty is exhibiting at ISTE 2017 and invites attendees to visit its booth #1252 to interact with an in-booth makerspace and collaborative learning environment. Attendees will be able to demo STEM-oriented curriculum products, makerspace furniture, a 3D printer and more. For more information on School Specialty, please visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

About School Specialty, Inc.
School Specialty is a leading distributor of innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to the education marketplace. The Company designs, develops, and provides educators with the latest and very best school supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential. Through its SSI Guardian subsidiary, the Company is also committed to school, healthcare and corporate workplace safety by offering the highest quality curriculum, training and safety and security products. Finally, through its SOAR Life Products brand, the Company offers thousands of products that sharpen cognitive skills and build physical and mental strength in fun and creative ways. From childhood through adulthood, they help individuals live life to the fullest – engaged, happy and well.  SOAR Life Products is a customized offering for hospitals, long-term care, therapeutic facilities, home care, surgery centers, day care centers, physician offices, and clinics. For more information about School Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

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Media Contacts:
Glenn Wiener and Dionne Manchester
GW Communications (for School Specialty)
Tel: 212-786-6011 / 212-786-6068
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]