Greenville County Schools Cancels In-School Book Fairs for the 2024-25 Year
Greenville, SC – Greenville County Schools has announced that it will not hold in-school book fairs for the upcoming 2024-25 school year due to a new state regulation. This decision, communicated on August 22, highlights the impact of SC Regulation 43-170, which was enacted by the South Carolina State Board of Education on August 1, 2024.
Reason for the Pause
The regulation sets forth new requirements for how educational materials in schools are selected and provided. According to Greenville County Schools, the complexity and logistics of running in-person book fairs made it challenging to comply with these new rules. Book fairs typically involve a series of steps, such as delivery and setup of numerous books, which cannot be properly vetted by school staff in the time available.
School District’s Statement
In their statement, the school district emphasized the importance of book fairs for promoting reading among students and for providing fundraising opportunities for schools. The district expressed hope that they would be able to host book fairs again in the future once compliance with the new regulations can be assured.
Looking Ahead
While in-person book fairs are paused for this school year, the district is exploring alternatives, including online book fairs and book clubs. The Academics team within the district is working closely with schools and vendors to develop solutions that meet the new requirements.
Community Commitment
Greenville County Schools remains committed to supporting literacy and engaging parents and the community in reading initiatives. The district plans to provide updates as they evaluate these alternative options for fostering reading and fundraising in schools.
