Scholastic to combine US book fairs and book clubs divisions 

Scholastic has announced plans to combine its US book fairs and book clubs divisions into an integrated school reading events business. The transition process is expected to be completed and the new organisation launched by June, in advance of the 2023/2024 school year.

Peter Warwick, president and chief executive officer, said: “For generations, Scholastic book fairs and book clubs have earned the trust of educators and the privilege of bringing the joy of reading directly to children in schools and classrooms across the US. Today, these highly differentiated, uniquely Scholastic businesses have significant overlap and synergies in their customers and operations.

"By integrating both clubs and fairs into a single, aligned organisation, we’re excited about the multiple opportunities to expand Scholastic’s impact, serve our customers better and improve efficiencies.”

Sasha Quinton, president of scholastic book fairs, will lead the integrated school reading events division upon launch. Scholastic said: "Under Quinton’s leadership since 2020, book fairs have achieved impressive growth and profitability, by successfully innovating and delivering on the singular value proposition of Scholastic’s school reading events – highly engaging, quality books that kids love to read, delivered through compelling, reading-focused experiences for schools, families and communities. Together, these attributes strongly underpin the company’s growth potential."

Judy Newman, previously president of Scholastic Book Clubs, has been named the company’s first chief impact officer. In this role, she will lead Scholastic’s efforts to increase access to books and literacy through partnerships with non-profit and other organisations that expand Scholastic’s school reading events to new communities, schools and families. 

Warwick added: “We’re excited to announce Sasha and Judy’s new roles where they will continue to partner in new ways, as we remove the organisational barriers to more profitable long-term growth and also significantly expand our reach and beneficial impact among children and schools that Scholastic has not traditionally been able to serve on the scale that they need and deserve.”

A transition planning team is beginning work to finalise the new business model, strategy, metrics for success, and organisational structure for the combined school reading events organisation. The company expects to address the results of the team’s work when it reports its year-end results.