Greenville County Schools Pause In-Person Book Fairs
New Requirements Lead to Changes
Greenville, S.C. – Greenville County Schools have announced a pause on in-person book fairs for this academic year. Officials say the decision comes in response to new standards set by the South Carolina State Board of Education regarding the selection of instructional materials.
A spokesperson explained that the district cannot ensure that all content available at the book fairs meets the new guidelines. The recent regulation, known as SC Regulation 43-170, requires schools to carefully vet all instructional materials, which has made organizing the book fairs challenging.
Impact on Schools and Community
The school district acknowledged the important role that book fairs play in promoting reading among students and engaging parents and the community. They also serve as a valuable fundraising opportunity for schools. The logistics involved in running these events, including delivering and sorting large volumes of books, complicate compliance with the new requirements.
“It is just not feasible for our staff to evaluate every book fair item once it arrives,” the district stated. They noted that vendors also cannot provide detailed content lists far enough in advance to meet the vetting demands.
Alternatives in the Works
While the in-person fairs are on hold, the district is exploring different options to continue promoting literacy among students. Possible alternatives include book clubs and online book fairs. The Academics team is actively discussing these possibilities with school officials and book fair vendors.
Greenville County Schools have expressed their commitment to finding ways to resume book fairs in the future, emphasizing their dedication to fostering a love of reading while keeping students safe and informed.
Support from the South Carolina Department of Education
The South Carolina Department of Education has offered its support in helping the district find appropriate vendors that can ensure a selection of age-appropriate materials. This initiative aims to provide peace of mind to both schools and families in the area.
As of now, other school districts in the Upstate have not reported similar changes regarding in-person book fairs. The situation continues to evolve, and the district promises to share updates on alternative solutions as they develop.
