Scholastic Corp DEF 14A, filed Aug 8, 2024
Scholastic Corp (SCHL)
About this DEF 14A
Scholastic Corp filed this DEF 14A on August 8, 2024.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement
☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
☒ Definitive Proxy Statement
☐ Definitive Additional Materials
☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
☒ No fee required
☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials
☐ Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
Scholastic 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999 (212) 343-6100
www.scholastic.com
SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Holders of Class A Stock and Common Stock:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Scholastic Corporation (the “Company”) will be held via the internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2024 on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. E.D.T., for the following purposes:
Matters to be voted upon by holders of the Class A Stock
Matters to be voted upon by holders of the Common Stock
and such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments thereof.
A proxy statement describing the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders is attached to this notice. Only stockholders of record of the Class A Stock and the Common Stock at the close of business on July 25, 2024 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any adjournments thereof.
We hope that you will be able to attend the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote your shares promptly. You can vote your shares in three ways:
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By order of the Board of Directors |
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Andrew S. Hedden |
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Secretary |
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August 8, 2024 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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4 |
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Change of Control Arrangement for Certain Class A Stockholders |
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6 |
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59 |
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials
for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on September 18, 2024
This Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to Stockholders are available at
www.proxyvote.com
SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
557 Broadway
New York, New York 10012-3999
________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
________________________
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
September 18, 2024
________________________
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
General Information
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Scholastic Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), to be voted at its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), which will be held via the internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2024 on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. E.D.T. and at any adjournments thereof.
The Company has made available to you over the Internet or delivered paper copies of this proxy statement, a proxy card and the Annual Report to Stockholders (of which the Company’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 (the “Annual Report”) is a part) in connection with the Annual Meeting. The Company is using the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that allow companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. As a result, the Company is mailing to many of its stockholders a notice about the Internet availability of the proxy materials instead of a paper copy of the proxy materials. All stockholders receiving the notice will have the ability to access the proxy materials over the Internet, as well as to request a paper copy by mail or via email, free of charge, by following the instructions in the notice.
This proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy, together with the Company’s Annual Report, are being mailed to those stockholders who are not receiving the notice concerning Internet availability on or about August 8, 2024.
Shares represented by each proxy properly submitted, either by the Internet, telephone or mail as indicated on the enclosed form of proxy, will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated on such proxy unless revoked. A stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time before it is exercised by:
Any written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to the attention of Andrew S. Hedden, Corporate Secretary, Scholastic Corporation, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999.
If you are a Common Stockholder of record submitting a proxy, and no instructions are specified, your shares will be voted FOR the election of the directors.
If you are a Common Stockholder and you hold your shares beneficially through a broker, bank or other holder of record submitting a proxy, and no instructions are specified, your shares will NOT be voted.
If you are a Class A Stockholder submitting a proxy, and no instructions are specified, your shares will be voted FOR the election of the directors.
By submitting a proxy, you authorize the persons named as proxies to use their discretion in voting upon any other matter brought before the Annual Meeting. The Company does not know of any other business to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
SEC rules permit the Company to deliver only one copy of the proxy statement or the notice of Internet availability of the proxy statement to multiple stockholders of record who share the same address and have the same last name, unless the Company has received contrary instructions from one or more of such stockholders. This delivery method, called “householding,” reduces the Company’s printing and mailing costs. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive or have internet access to separate proxy cards.
If you are a stockholder of record and wish to receive a separate copy of the proxy statement, now or in the future, at the same address, or you are currently receiving multiple copies of the proxy statement at the same address and wish to receive a single copy, please write to or call the Corporate Secretary, Scholastic Corporation, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999, telephone: (212) 343-6100.
Beneficial owners sharing an address who are currently receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials or notice of internet availability of the proxy materials and wish to receive a single copy in the future, or who currently receive a single copy and wish to receive separate copies in the future, should contact their bank, broker or other holder of record to request that only a single copy or separate copies, as the case may be, be delivered to all stockholders at the shared address in the future.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. Solicitation other than by mail may be made personally or by telephone, facsimile or e-mail by regularly employed officers and employees who will not be additionally compensated for such solicitation. The Company may also reimburse brokers, custodians, nominees and other fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to principals.
Voting Securities of the Company
Only holders of record of the Company’s Class A Stock, $0.01 par value (“Class A Stock”), and Common Stock, $0.01 par value (“Common Stock”), at the close of business on July 25, 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 828,100 shares of Class A Stock and 27,437,638 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the “Certificate”) provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, the holders of shares of the Class A Stock (the “Class A Stockholders”), voting as a class, have the right to: (i) fix the size of the Board so long as it does not consist of less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15) directors; (ii) elect all the directors, subject to the right of the holders of shares of Common Stock, voting as a class, to elect such minimum number of the members of the Board as shall equal at least one-fifth of the members of the Board; and (iii) exercise, exclusive of the holders of shares of Common Stock, all other voting rights of stockholders of the Company. The Certificate also provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, the voting rights of the holders of shares of Common Stock are limited to the right, voting as a class, to elect such minimum number of the members of the Board as shall equal at least one-fifth of the members of the Board.
Each share of Class A Stock and Common Stock is entitled to one vote. No holders of either class of stock have cumulative voting rights for directors. At the Annual Meeting, the Class A Stockholders will vote on the election of eight members of the Board. At the Annual Meeting, the holders of Common Stock will vote on the election of three members of the Board. If any other matters were to properly come before the Annual Meeting, they would be voted on by the Class A Stockholders.
The vote required for each proposal is specified in the description of such proposal. In the election of directors withheld votes and abstentions have no effect on the vote. For the purpose of determining whether a proposal has received the required vote, abstentions will not be considered as votes cast and will have no effect. Because none of the shares of Class A Stock are held by brokers, the effect of broker non-votes is not applicable in the case of the Class A Stock. Because the only proposal before Common Stockholders is the election of three directors, the effect of broker non-votes is not applicable in the case of the Common Stock.
The holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting constitute a quorum for the Annual Meeting, provided that, for purposes of matters to be voted upon by the holders of Class A Stock, a quorum is the holders of a majority of the Class A Stock and, for purposes of matters to be voted upon by the holders of Common Stock, a quorum is the holders of a majority of the Common Stock.
Principal Holders of Class A Stock and Common Stock
The following table sets forth information regarding persons who, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, beneficially owned five percent or more of the Class A Stock or the Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date. Under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, a person who directly or indirectly has, or shares, voting power or investment power with respect to a security is considered a beneficial owner of such security. Voting power is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares, and investment power is the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of shares. In computing the number of shares and percentage beneficially owned by any stockholder, shares of Class A Stock or Common Stock subject to options or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) held by that person that are currently exercisable or vested or become exercisable or vested within 60 days of the Record Date are included. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage owned by any other person.
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Class A Stock |
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Common Stock |
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Name and Address |
Amount and |
Percent of |
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Amount and |
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Percent of |
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The Estate of Richard Robinson |
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Iole Lucchese, Special Executor |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
445,452 |
53.8 |
% |
1,024,699 |
(3) |
3.7 |
% |
Iole Lucchese |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
445,452 |
53.8 |
% |
1,225,406 |
(4) |
4.5 |
% |
Barbara Robinson Buckland |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
324,310 |
39.2 |
% |
2,052,802 |
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7.5 |
% |
Mary Sue Robinson Morrill |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
382,648 |
46.2 |
% |
2,712,720 |
(5) |
9.9 |
% |
William W. Robinson |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
324,310 |
39.2 |
% |
2,020,057 |
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7.4 |
% |
Florence Robinson Ford |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
324,310 |
39.2 |
% |
2,045,460 |
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7.5 |
% |
Andrew S. Hedden |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
324,310 |
39.2 |
% |
2,360,246 |
(6) |
8.6 |
% |
Trust under the Will of |
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Maurice R. Robinson |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
324,310 |
39.2 |
% |
1,507,402 |
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5.5 |
% |
Trust under the Will of |
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Florence L. Robinson |
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c/o Scholastic Corporation |
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557 Broadway |
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New York, NY 10012 |
58,338 |
7.0 |
% |
466,676 |
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1.7 |
% |
BlackRock, Inc. |
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55 East 52nd Street |
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New York, NY 10055 |
– |
– |
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4,399,568 |
(7) |
15.6 |
% |
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. |
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100 E. Pratt Street |
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Baltimore, MD 21202 |
– |
– |
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2,143,718 |
(8) |
7.6 |
% |
The Vanguard Group |
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100 Vanguard Boulevard |
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Malvern, PA 19355 |
– |
– |
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3,047,695 |
(9) |
10.8 |
% |
Change of Control Arrangement for Certain Class A Stockholders
Pursuant to an agreement dated July 23, 1990 between the Maurice R. Robinson Trust and M. Richard Robinson, Jr. (the “Buy Sell Agreement”), the Maurice R. Robinson Trust has agreed that if it receives an offer from any person to purchase any or all of the shares of Class A Stock owned by the Maurice R. Robinson Trust and it desires to accept such offer, Richard Robinson, including his executors, heirs and personal representatives as the case may be (collectively, “Robinson”), will have the right of first refusal to purchase all, but not less than all, of the shares of Class A Stock that such person has offered to purchase for the same price and on the same terms and conditions offered by such person. In the event Robinson does not elect to exercise such option, the Maurice R. Robinson Trust shall be free to sell such shares of Class A Stock in accordance with the offer it has received. In addition, if Robinson receives an offer from any person to purchase any or all of his shares of Class A Stock and the result of that sale would be to transfer to any person other than Robinson or his heirs voting power sufficient to enable such other person to elect the majority of the Board, either alone or in concert with any person other than Robinson, his heirs or the Maurice R. Robinson Trust (a “Control Offer”), and
Robinson desires to accept the Control Offer, the Maurice R. Robinson Trust will have the option to sell any or all of its shares of Class A Stock to the person making the Control Offer at the price and on the terms and conditions set forth in the Control Offer. If the Maurice R. Robinson Trust does not exercise its option, Robinson will be free to accept the Control Offer and to sell Robinson’s shares of Class A Stock in accordance with the terms of the Control Offer. If the Maurice R. Robinson Trust exercises its option, Robinson cannot accept the Control Offer unless the person making the Control Offer purchases the shares of Class A Stock that the Maurice R. Robinson Trust has elected to sell. The Estate has succeeded Mr. Robinson as a party to the Buy Sell Agreement as a result of Mr. Robinson's death.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the SEC and NASDAQ reports of ownership of Company securities and changes in reported ownership. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based solely on a review of the reports furnished to the Company, or written representations from reporting persons that all reportable transaction were reported, the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024, the Company’s officers, directors and greater than ten percent owners timely filed all reports they were required to file under Section 16(a); except that fourteen reports, covering a total of twenty-two transactions, were filed late, as follows. The Form 3s for each of Mr. Glover and Ms. Polcari reporting their appointment as executive officers were late. Form 4s reporting grants of restricted stock units and stock options for each of Messrs. Warwick, Glover, Cleary, Hedden and Hukkanen and Mses. Lucchese, Quinton and Polcari were late. A Form 4 reporting the vesting of performance share units for Mr. Warwick was late. A Form 4 reporting an acquisition under the MSPP for Ms. Polcari was late. Form 4s reporting grants of restricted stock units for Mr. Guerrier and Ms. Henderson were late.
On the Record Date, July 25, 2024, each director and Named Executive Officer reported under the caption “Summary Compensation Table” and all directors and executive officers as a group beneficially owned shares of the Class A Stock and Common Stock as set forth in the table below. In computing the number of shares and percentage beneficially owned by any stockholder, shares of Class A or Common Stock subject to options or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) held by that person that are currently exercisable or vested or will become exercisable or vested within 60 days of the Record Date are included. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage owned by any other person.
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Class A Stock |
Common Stock |
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Name |
Amount and |
Percent of |
Amount and |
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Percent of |
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Directors |
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Iole Lucchese |
445,452 |
(2) |
53.8 |
% |
1,225,406 |
(3) |
4.5% |
Andrés Alonso |
— |
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— |
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41,672 |
(4) |
* |
James W. Barge |
— |
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— |
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60,322 |
(5) |
* |
John L. Davies |
— |
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— |
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29,098 |
(6) |
* |
Robert Dumont |
— |
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— |
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14,896 |
(7) |
* |
Alix Guerrier |
— |
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— |
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3,192 |
(8) |
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Kaya Henderson |
— |
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— |
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3,192 |
(9) |
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Linda Li |
— |
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— |
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9,520 |
(10) |
* |
Verdell Walker |
— |
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— |
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13,741 |
(11) |
* |
Peter Warwick |
— |
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— |
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152,463 |
(12) |
* |
David J. Young |
— |
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— |
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43,633 |
(13) |
* |
Named Executive Officers |
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Peter Warwick |
— |
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— |
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152,463 |
(12) |
* |
Iole Lucchese |
445,452 |
(2) |
53.8 |
% |
1,225,406 |
(3) |
4.5% |
Haji Glover |
— |
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— |
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0 |
(14) |
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Kenneth J. Cleary |
— |
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— |
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153,138 |
(15) |
* |
Sasha Quinton |
— |
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— |
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91,255 |
(16) |
* |
Andrew S. Hedden |
324,310 |
(17) |
39.2 |
% |
2,360,246 |
(18) |
8.6% |
All directors and named executive officers as a group (15 persons) |
769,762 |
(2) |
93.0 |
% |
4,201,774 |
(19) |
13.1% |
* Less than 1.0%
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (the “HRCC”) was at any time during fiscal 2024 an officer or employee of the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries nor was any such person a former officer of the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries. In addition, no HRCC member is an executive officer of another entity at which an executive officer of the Company serves on the board of directors.
Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report
The HRCC has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) section of this Proxy Statement. Based on this review and discussion, the HRCC recommended to the Board (and the Board has approved) that the CD&A be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024.
The members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Scholastic Corporation have provided this report.
John L. Davies, Chairperson |
Alix Guerrier |
Kaya Henderson |
Linda Li |
David J. Young |
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Company’s compensation programs for its executive officers and other senior management are administered by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (“HRCC”), which is composed solely of independent directors as defined by NASDAQ rules. The Company’s overall objective is to design compensation programs that attract, motivate, and retain employees as well as align the short-term and long-term strategic goals of the Company and its stockholders through such programs.
The HRCC generally consults with management regarding employee compensation matters. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, working with the Company’s Human Resources Department, makes annual compensation recommendations to the HRCC for executive officers (other than himself) and senior management, including the Named Executive Officers. The Company’s compensation programs have been adopted in order to implement the HRCC’s compensation philosophy discussed below, while taking into account the Company’s financial position and performance. They have been developed with the assistance of the Human Resources Department, as well as independent executive compensation consultants retained by the HRCC. A description of the composition and procedures of the HRCC is set forth under “Meetings of the Board and its Committees-Human Resources and Compensation Committee” and “Corporate Governance-HRCC Procedures” in “Matters Submitted to Stockholders - Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” below.
The HRCC regularly reviews the Company’s compensation programs and considers appropriate methods to tie the executive compensation program to business achievement and financial performance and to further strengthen management’s alignment with stockholders.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Pay Competitively |
• |
The Company’s goal is to provide a strategic compensation framework that aligns with the Company’s financial position and performance as well as the forward looking business strategy of the Company. The programs include performance metrics for individual contributions, business and staff unit contributions and the external market in which the Company competes for executive talent, with a key focus on cross-Company collaboration. |
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• |
The Company, through competitive compensation policies and practices, strives to foster the continued development of the Company’s operating segments, which in turn builds stockholder value. |
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• |
In determining the compensation of its Named Executive Officers, the Company seeks to achieve its compensation objectives through a combination of fixed and variable compensation. |
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• |
The Company reviews the executive compensation of a broad group of companies in the publishing, media, technology and education industries for comparative purposes. In addition, the Company considers compensation practices of a compensation peer group for which companies are selected based upon several criteria, including size of company by revenues, relevant industry and other factors. |
Pay for Performance |
• |
The Company’s compensation practices are designed to create a direct link between the aggregate compensation paid to each Named Executive Officer and the overall financial performance of the Company. |
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• |
The performance of a specific business or staff unit for which an executive is responsible is used to create a direct link between the achievement of business and staff unit financial goals and the overall financial performance of the Company. |
Executives as Stockholders |
• |
The Company’s compensation practices have also been designed to link a portion of each Named Executive Officer’s compensation opportunity directly to the value of the Common Stock through the use of stock-based awards, including restricted stock units, performance-based stock units and stock options, as deemed appropriate. |
Peer Group Analysis
The Company reviews the compensation practices of selected peer companies to use as a general frame of reference, but it does not formally benchmark its compensation against that of such peer companies. The peer companies to which the Company has looked to gauge its competitiveness for these purposes have included, but were not limited to, the following: The New York Times Company, PowerSchool Holdings, Inc., Perdoceo Education Corporation, Pearson plc, The E. W. Scripps Company, Graham Holdings Company, Stride, Inc., and John Wiley & Sons, Inc., which companies constituted the peer group for fiscal 2024. Additionally, in analyzing its executive compensation, from time to time the Company reviews general industry compensation surveys provided by consulting firms, as well as more focused surveys covering a broad base of media companies.
Components of Executive Compensation
The following chart provides a brief overview of each of the elements of compensation. A more detailed description of each compensation element follows this chart.
Compensation Element |
Objective |
Key Features |
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Fixed |
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Base Salary |
• |
To establish a fixed level of compensation principally tied to day-to-day responsibilities |
• |
Base salary is determined taking into account several factors, including current salary, individual job performance, internal equity, competitive external market conditions for recruiting and retaining executive talent, the scope of the executive’s position and level of experience, changes in responsibilities, responsibility for larger, more difficult to manage or more complex initiatives, such as new product development or technology initiatives, or positions that require considerable creative or technical talent, creative marketing capability or digital skills, or the management of those providing such creative content, technical skills or marketing and digital expertise. |
Variable |
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Annual Performance-Based Cash Bonus Awards |
• |
To provide a reward based upon the achievement of the Company’s financial, operating and strategic goals established for the year |
• |
Through the use of annual bonus awards, the HRCC ties a significant portion of each Named Executive Officer’s total potential compensation to Company performance and, in the case where the executive officer is responsible for a business or staff unit of the Company, performance of the actual unit. |
Long-Term Incentive Compensation |
• |
To align the long-term interests of the executives and the Company’s stockholders |
• |
Restricted stock units, which convert automatically into shares of Common Stock on a 1-to-1 basis upon vesting generally in equal amounts over a three-year period, serving as a retention tool, as well as increasing an executive’s stock ownership. |
• |
Performance-based stock units, which have been issued when deemed appropriate for executives and certain senior level employees as an incentive for the achievement of overall EBITDA and Revenue growth, generally vesting equally over a three-year period based on the achievement of annual performance goals. |
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|
• |
Stock options, which typically vest ratably over three years, producing value for executives and employees only if the Common Stock price increases over the exercise price. |
Other Equity-Based Incentives and Benefit Plans
|
• |
To attract and retain highly qualified talent and maintain market competitiveness |
• |
The Company’s executives participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same terms as all other employees. |
|
• |
The ESPP provides a method for all employees, including executives, to purchase Common Stock at a 15% discount. |
||
|
• |
The MSPP permits senior management to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual cash bonus payments in order to acquire restricted stock units at a 25% discount. |
||
Base Salary
Base salaries are reviewed annually in the context of the HRCC’s consideration of the effect of base compensation on recruiting and retaining executive talent. In establishing each executive officer’s base salary, including those of the Named Executive Officers, the HRCC considers several factors, as described under “Base Salary” in the above chart. In considering annual base salary increases, the Company's financial performance is also taken into consideration.
Consistent with the Company’s policies relating to annual reviews for all employees, salaries for executive officers and senior management, including the Named Executive Officers, are reviewed annually, generally at the HRCC July meeting under current practice, with any increases, based on the compensation objectives discussed above, becoming effective as determined by the HRCC at such meeting. For fiscal 2024, the HRCC’s independent compensation consultant conducted an annual compensation review of market comparisons using both survey data and information from the most recent proxy statements for the peer group indicated above and, as a result of this review, the HRCC determined that no increases would be made to base salary for any of the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2024, other than for Ms. Quinton, who received a 16.9% increase to her base salary in June 2023 to align her base salary with the larger scope of financial responsibility in her new role as President of the recently formed School Reading Events group, which was supported by a fiscal 2023 market comparison prepared by the HRCC’s independent compensation consultant.
Annual Performance-Based Cash Bonus Awards
Generally, the HRCC ties a meaningful portion of each Named Executive Officer’s total potential compensation to Company performance, which, in the case of a Named Executive Officer who is responsible for a business or staff unit of the Company, includes the performance of such unit, generally through the use of annual cash bonus awards. In setting financial and operating performance targets, which are established early in the fiscal year, the HRCC considers Company-wide strategic and operating plans and, where applicable, those of the executive’s business or staff unit. In each case, whether considering the Company as a whole or an executive’s business or staff unit, the HRCC considers the budget for the next fiscal year and sets specific incentive targets that are directly linked to the Company’s financial performance as well as that of the business or staff unit. The continued focus of the annual bonus element of compensation has been to align the interests of senior management, including the Named Executive Officers, with the Company’s financial, operating and strategic goals for the relevant fiscal year primarily to encourage the achievement of the Company’s key financial and operating goals for such fiscal year, as well as business or staff unit goals and agreed individual goals.
Short Term Incentive Plan
Potential cash bonus awards for senior management for fiscal 2024, including the Named Executive Officers, and other eligible employees were determined under the Company’s Short Term Incentive Plan (the “STIP”), which was initially adopted by the HRCC in September 2021 as a successor plan to the previous Management Incentive Plan (“MIP”). The STIP has been designed primarily to reward both Company-wide and business or staff unit performance. Under
the STIP, bonus targets are stated as a percentage of salary allocated among the corporate, business or staff unit and individual goals. The HRCC determined that no increases would be made to the allocated bonus targets for any of the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2024, other than for Ms. Quinton, whose aggregate target was increased from 50% to 70% of base compensation to align with Ms. Quinton’s larger scope of financial responsibility in her new role as well as to provide a total target cash compensation opportunity supported by the fiscal 2023 market comparison prepared by the HRCC’s independent compensation consultant.
Fiscal 2024 STIP Bonuses
The fiscal 2024 STIP is being funded based on the achievement of the Corporate and Divisional (in the case of business units) or Departmental (in the case of staff functions) metrics and, to a lesser extent, the achievement of the agreed individual goals. The Corporate metric used to determine payout of the bonus is Corporate Operating Income, defined for this purpose as the Company’s net revenues less total operating costs and expenses from continuing operations as reported in the Company’s audited financial statements, excluding one-time items as discussed in earnings releases or calls and press releases, legal or tax settlements, changes to accounting policies or impaired assets. Division Operating Income is defined for this purpose as the operating income of the specific business unit for which the Named Executive Officer is responsible measured against budget (excluding internal expense allocations). The Departmental Budget Objective is defined for this purpose as the control of operational costs for each staff function measured against budget.
As discussed above, the annual bonus awards under the STIP are generally designed to reward for Company-wide performance, as well as the other indicators of performance discussed above and referenced in the chart below. With respect to the fiscal 2024 STIP, at its meeting on July 18, 2023, the HRCC set the performance measures based on the objective of meeting the Company’s fiscal 2024 operating plan based on a Corporate Operating Income target of $100 million as the primary focus, as well as Divisional/Departmental financial goals, while continuing the 10% individual performance metric applicable to the Named Executive Officers based upon their annual performance reviews.
To drive greater alignment with the Company’s corporate priorities, it was determined that, for the fiscal 2024 STIP, there would be an increase to the weighting of the Corporate Operating Income metric to 65% from the previous 50% component and the divisional operating income reduced from 40% to 25% applicable to senior management, including the Named Executive Officers (other than the CEO). This change was intended to create a structure where collaboration across the Company is encouraged and rewarded, incentivizing actions that drive overall Company performance at the senior management level and fostering a cooperative enterprise approach among the management team. In addition, the minimum target threshold for funding of the fiscal 2024 STIP was subsequently reduced from 80% to 75% of the Corporate Operating Income target, taking into consideration external market factors by increasing the incentive opportunity for bonus payout among a wider employee group.
The payment structure to be applied for fiscal 2024 is illustrated in the chart below:
Participants |
STIP at or above Target Performance |
||
Corporate Operating Income |
Division Operating Income/ Departmental Budget Objective |
Individual Performance Review |
|
Named Executive Officers – CEO |
100% |
0% |
0% |
Named Executive Officers – Business Unit/Staff Heads |
65% |
25% |
10% |
Fiscal 2024 STIP Payment Structure
The funding for the fiscal 2024 STIP was the sum of the calculated bonuses for each Division or Department based on achievement of the Company’s Corporate and Divisional/ Departmental metrics as well as the individual performance metric as per the chart below:
Fiscal 2024 STIP Plan Funding(1) |
||
Weighted Percentage of Individual Metrics |
Corporate Operating Income ($ Millions) |
Bonus Payout % |
75.00% |
$75.0 |
50% |
100.00% |
$100.0 |
100% |
150.00% |
$150.0 |
175% |
For fiscal 2024, the Company achieved Corporate Operating Income of $44.7 million, which was 44.7% of the target amount and below the threshold for bonus payout under the STIP, in respect to the Corporate Operating Income component, which resulted in the payout of a bonus pool at 38.7% of the target pool. Based on the foregoing, the HRCC approved bonuses to be paid under the STIP to the Named Executive Officers as provided in the table below.
Named Executive Officer |
Relevant Metric |
Target Bonus Payout |
Actual Bonus Achievement |
Fiscal 2024 |
|
Peter Warwick |
100% Corporate Operating Income
|
125% |
0% |
$ |
0 |
Haji L. Glover |
65% Corporate Operating Income 25% Departmental Budget Objective 10% Individual Performance
|
50% |
64% |
$ |
200,000(1) |
Kenneth J. Cleary(2) |
65% Corporate Operating Income 25% Departmental Budget Objective 10% Individual Performance
|
50% |
25% |
$ |
76,823 |
Iole Lucchese |
65% Corporate Operating Income 25% Departmental Budget Objective 10% Individual Performance
|
50% |
10% |
$ |
40,000 |
Sasha Quinton |
65% Corporate Operating Income 25% Division Operating Income 10% Individual Performance
|
70% |
23% |
$ |
117,859 |
Andrew S. Hedden |
65% Corporate Operating Income 25% Departmental Budget Objective 10% Individual Performance
|
50% |
32% |
$ |
94,999 |
Fiscal 2025 STIP
For Fiscal 2025, the HRCC intends to set the performance measures based on Company-wide, individual or staff unit financial goals, as well as an individual goal component, focusing on the objective of meeting the Company’s fiscal 2025 operating plan; however, the terms of the final Fiscal 2025 STIP are still under consideration and the final plan design is expected to be presented and approved at the HRCC meeting to be held in September 2024.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The HRCC determines the awards of long-term incentive compensation through equity incentives, which have generally been awarded in the form of stock options, restricted stock units, and/or performance-based stock units, granted to executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, and senior management, as well as certain other eligible employees.
The general practice of the HRCC is to consider:
The Company currently makes its equity award grant under the Scholastic Corporation 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which was approved by the Board in July 2021 and by the Class A Stockholders in September 2021.
The practice of the HRCC had generally been to make equity awards in the form of stock options and restricted stock units tied to vesting, including a combination of the foregoing in most cases. This determination has reflected the desire to maintain a strong long-term equity component in executive compensation and to reduce, through the restricted stock unit component, the number of equity units required to provide such components. However, it is anticipated that in the future, in years in which annual equity grants are made, the Company will primarily utilize grants of restricted stock units or performance based stock units, or a combination thereof, utilizing stock options only on a limited basis involving special considerations, to executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers and senior management.
Options to Purchase Common Stock and Restricted Stock Units
For fiscal 2024, the HRCC granted the annual equity-based awards to the Named Executive Officers and other members of senior management as well as to certain other employees at its September 2023 meeting and otherwise granted such equity awards during fiscal 2024 principally to certain newly-hired or promoted employees to fulfill contractual obligations or commitments. These grants were made in the form of restricted stock units, stock options or a combination of both.
Stock options produce value for executives and employees only if the Common Stock price increases over the exercise price, which is set at the fair market value of the Common Stock on the effective date of grant, calculated for purposes of the 2021 Plan as the average of the high and low prices on the date the grant becomes effective. The Company historically has calculated the exercise price of stock options and the value of restricted stock units by this method, which it believes gives a fair market value and eliminates price fluctuations during the day that the grant is made. While the historic practice of the HRCC through fiscal 2024, in the case of its quarterly meetings at which equity grants were approved (which were held before the dates of the public
release of financial results), had been to make the grant date effective on the date of the HRCC meeting at which the grants were approved, the HRCC has changed this practice to provide for an effective grant date timed several days after the public release of financial results, which it implemented starting with the September 2024 annual equity grants. Stock options currently granted by the HRCC under the 2021 Plan vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the effective date of grant and expire after seven years. Restricted stock units granted under the 2021 Plan convert automatically into shares of Common Stock on a one-to-one basis upon vesting, currently generally also in equal amounts over a three-year period. Neither the 2021 Plan nor its predecessor plan permit the deferral of restricted stock units. Through vesting and forfeiture provisions, both stock options and restricted stock units create incentives for executive officers and senior management to remain with the Company. However, as noted above, it is intended that, commencing with equity awards for fiscal 2025, the Company will primarily make its equity awards in the form of restricted stock units, performance based stock units or a combination of both.
The specific fiscal 2024 grants to the Named Executive Officers are set forth below in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, and information regarding the equity awards held by the Named Executive Officers as of the end of fiscal 2024 is set forth below in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at May 31, 2024” table.
Employment Agreement with Chief Executive Officer
On July 18, 2021, the Board elected one of its members, Peter Warwick, to succeed Richard Robinson, who passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2021, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, effective August 1, 2021, for a three year term. Mr. Warwick has continued to serve as a member of the Board.
In connection with his appointment as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Warwick entered into a three year employment agreement with the Company (the "CEO Employment Agreement"), which was unanimously recommended by the HRCC (without Mr. Warwick’s participation) and approved unanimously by the Board members, with Mr. Warwick recusing himself from the discussion and abstaining from the vote thereon.
The CEO Employment Agreement provided for: (i) an initial base annual salary of $1,000,000, which may be increased but not decreased during the term; (ii) an annual cash discretionary bonus based on a target bonus opportunity of 125% of base salary and the level of satisfaction of performance criteria determined on an annual basis by the HRCC (which included a minimum guaranteed cash discretionary bonus of $625,000 in respect of fiscal 2022); (iii) an initial equity award of $1.5 million under the 2011 Plan, approved by the HRCC at its meeting held on July 20, 2021 with an effective grant date of August 2, 2021, 75% of such award in the form of restricted stock units and 25% in the form of stock options, with such grants vesting over a three year period, subject to acceleration in the case of certain termination events; and (iv) an annual equity grant under the 2011 Plan (or any successor plan) in the form of performance-based restricted stock units (PSUs) with a target fair market value of $1,000,000 per year during the three-year term of the CEO Employment Agreement. The number of PSUs to be granted is the number equal to the target fair market value of $1,000,000 divided by the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant determined in accordance with the terms of the 2011 Plan (or any successor to the 2011 Plan), with each annual grant vesting in one year. In the case of the annual cash bonus referred to in clause (ii) above, it was determined to base the
performance criteria on the criteria adopted by the HRCC for the STIP for the relevant fiscal year.
In the event of a termination of Mr. Warwick by the Company without "cause" (as defined) or Mr. Warwick terminates his employment for "Good Reason" (as defined) following a Change of Control of the Company, Mr. Warwick will be entitled to twice the present value of his remaining base salary as severance. If Mr. Warwick's employment with the Company is terminated due to his death or disability, he (or his estate) will be entitled to receive his accrued base salary, expense reimbursement and vested equity awards (the "Accrued Obligations"). Also, in either case, any stock options, RSUs or PSUs (vesting at target level attainment in the case of PSUs), to the extent then outstanding and unvested, will become fully vested and, in the case of stock options, fully exercisable during the remaining term of the options. If Mr. Warwick is terminated without cause or leaves the employment for "Good Reason" (other than resulting from a Change of Control), he is entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations, a cash severance payment equal to the present value of his base salary through the expiration date of the CEO Employment Agreement, COBRA premium payments for health coverage for up to 18 months, accelerated vesting / exercisability of his RSUs or PSUs (vesting at target level attainment in the case of PSUs) and stock options and a partial year discretionary bonus provided that the applicable performance criteria for the period in question have been met.
During the term of the CEO Employment Agreement, Mr. Warwick is eligible for all employee benefits (including health insurance and 401(k) or other retirement plans, and participation in the STIP and MSPP) on terms not less favorable than those provided generally to other senior executives of the Company. The CEO Employment Agreement also contains other customary terms and conditions of senior executive employment agreements.
On October 4, 2023, Mr. Warwick’s Employment Agreement was amended to, among other things: change the term of the CEO Employment Agreement, originally scheduled to expire on July 31, 2024, to a term which would continue from year-to-year, provided Mr. Warwick and the Company mutually agree in writing no later than January 31 of each year to extend the CEO Employment Agreement for an additional one-year period; confirm that Mr. Warwick’s annual cash bonus opportunity would be determined in accordance with the applicable STIP for each year with a maximum target opportunity of 125% of his base salary; confirm that the annual equity award as originally provided in the CEO Employment Agreement as described above is to be continued each year of the term as changed by the amendment; add the recommendation to the HRCC that Mr. Warwick receive an additional annual equity award with a total value of $500,000, of which 75% of the value is to be in the form of restricted stock units and 25% in the form of stock options, with a vesting period of one year following the grant date in the case of both types of awards and the stock options having a seven year exercise period, absent a termination of Mr. Warwick for Cause (as defined in the CEO Employment Agreement) or a voluntary termination by Mr. Warwick other than for “Good Reason” (as defined in the CEO Employment Agreement).
The performance measures for the PSUs for fiscal year 2024 were established prior to September 1, 2023 and are being established early in fiscal year 2025 for fiscal 2025. The performance measures are established annually by the HRCC (with input from the Human Resources Department of Scholastic) in consultation with Mr. Warwick. The performance measures established for fiscal 2024 for Mr. Warwick’s annual equity grant covered a review of Company strategy to gain a clearer view of market sizes and adjacencies in order to prioritize
growth opportunities; closely overseeing the execution of the Company’s School Events business, especially in the context of the current political and social polarization climate; a focus on Education Solutions with the goal of producing a balance between short to medium term needs and long term transformation into a blended solutions provider; further progress with the development of new and wider sources of funding for programs addressing literacy, particularly the needs of disadvantaged and underrepresented communities, as well as measures relating to the direction and development of the senior management team and CEO succession. At its July 16, 2024 meeting, the HRCC reviewed Mr. Warwick’s fiscal 2024 performance and determined that Mr. Warwick had fully achieved the qualitative performance measures established for fiscal 2024 at the $1,000,000 target level, which resulted in the issuance of 24,455 shares of Common Stock (using the date of grant to determine fair market value) to Mr. Warwick on that date upon vesting of the underlying PSUs.
Information on the compensation received by Mr. Warwick during fiscal 2024 is set forth below in the “Summary Compensation Table” and information regarding the equity awards received by Mr. Warwick is set forth in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at May 31, 2024” table.
Compensation Arrangements with Executive Officer
On December 5, 2023, the Company extended an offer of employment (the “Offer”) to Haji L. Glover, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who joined the Company in such positions on January 22, 2024. Under the principal terms of the Offer, Mr. Glover is entitled to receive: (i) a base salary at the rate of $625,000 per year; (ii) a one-time equity incentive grant, with three year vesting in equal amounts, under the 2021 Plan and valued at $200,000 (60% of such grant to be made in the form of restricted stock units and 40% to be made in the form of non-qualified stock options); (iii) a STIP target bonus percentage of 50% of his base salary, with the STIP bonus for fiscal 2024 guaranteed at $200,000 as a minimum payout; and (iv) continuing to be eligible to receive long term equity incentives with a target equity grant value of $500,000 per annum beginning in September 2024 at the discretion of the HRCC. Information on the compensation received by Mr. Glover during fiscal 2024 is set forth below in the “Summary Compensation Table” and information regarding the equity awards received by Mr. Glover is set forth below in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at May 31, 2024” table. In addition, in the event Mr. Glover’s employment is terminated without cause prior to January 2027, he will be eligible to receive severance in an amount equivalent to 24 months’ salary.
Other Equity-Based Incentives
The Scholastic Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended, the “ESPP”) and the Scholastic Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan (as amended, the “MSPP”) were designed to augment the Company’s stock-based incentive programs by providing participating employees with equity opportunities intended to further align their interests with the Company and its stockholders. The purpose of the ESPP is to encourage broad-based employee stock ownership. The ESPP is offered to United States-based employees, including the Named Executive Officers. The ESPP permits participating employees to purchase, through after-tax payroll deductions, Common Stock at a 15% discount from the closing price of the Common Stock on the last business day of each calendar quarter. Of the Named Executive Officers, currently only Mr. Cleary participates in the ESPP.
Under the MSPP, which was adopted in 1999 in order to provide an additional incentive for senior management, including the Named Executive Officers, to invest in Common Stock through the use of their cash bonuses paid under the STIP (and its predecessor, the MIP), eligible members of senior management may use such annual cash bonus payments on a tax-deferred basis to purchase restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in the Company at a 25% discount from the lowest closing price as reported on NASDAQ in the fiscal quarter in which the bonus is paid.
With respect to fiscal 2024, senior management participants in the MSPP were permitted to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual cash bonus payments, which will be used to acquire RSUs at a 25% discount from the lowest closing price of the underlying Common Stock during the fiscal quarter ending on August 31, 2024. The deferral period chosen by the participants could not be less than the three-year vesting period for the RSUs, with the first three years of deferral running concurrently with the vesting period. Upon expiration of the applicable deferral period, the RSUs would be converted into shares of Common Stock on a one-to-one basis. For fiscal 2024, four members of senior management, including Mr. Cleary who is a Named Executive Officer, are receiving bonuses from the STIP and making deferrals under the MSPP.
Results of Stockholder Advisory Vote on Compensation of Named Executive Officers
At the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Class A Stockholders approved the fiscal 2024 compensation for the Company’s Named Executive Officers, including the policies and practices related thereto. The Company believes this vote reflected the general satisfaction of the Class A Stockholders with the Company’s compensation philosophy for the Named Executive Officers. Accordingly, the HRCC continued to apply the same general principles in determining the amounts and types of executive compensation for fiscal 2025 as outlined in the Company’s compensation philosophy and framework described above. In addition, at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Class A Stockholders also approved a determination that the Company hold advisory votes on Named Executive Officer compensation once every three years.
As a result, the next advisory vote on Named Executive Officer compensation will take place at the Annual Meeting in respect of the fiscal 2026 compensation for the Company's Named Executive Officers, including the policies and practices related thereto.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the total compensation earned by or paid to the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, as indicated below.
Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal |
Salary |
Bonus |
|
Stock |
Option Awards(2) |
|
Non-Equity |
Change in |
|
All Other |
Total |
|||||
Peter Warwick(5) |
2024 |
$ |
1,000,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
999,965 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
38,626 |
$ |
2,038,591 |
President and |
2023 |
$ |
1,000,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
999,966 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
1,250,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
50,395 |
$ |
3,300,361 |
Chief Executive Officer |
2022 |
$ |
807,692 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
2,125,020 |
$ |
375,000 |
$ |
1,815,925 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
55,171 |
$ |
5,178,808 |
Haji Glover(6) |
2024 |
$ |
204,327 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
119,983 |
$ |
80,013 |
$ |
200,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
7,153 |
$ |
611,475 |
Executive Vice President and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth J. Cleary(7) |
2024 |
$ |
625,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
300,004 |
$ |
199,996 |
$ |
76,823 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
104,808 |
$ |
1,306,632 |
EVP, President International |
2023 |
$ |
615,385 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
299,977 |
$ |
200,013 |
$ |
311,875 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
104,999 |
$ |
1,532,248 |
Former, Chief Financial Officer |
2022 |
$ |
575,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
165,000 |
$ |
110,000 |
$ |
503,125 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
55,248 |
$ |
1,408,373 |
Iole Lucchese |
2024 |
$ |
800,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
359,990 |
$ |
240,002 |
$ |
40,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
25,530 |
$ |
1,465,522 |
Chair of the Board, Executive |
2023 |
$ |
800,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
359,972 |
$ |
240,018 |
$ |
520,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
76,629 |
$ |
1,996,619 |
Vice President, Chief Strategy |
2022 |
$ |
763,462 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
300,000 |
$ |
200,000 |
$ |
700,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
26,097 |
$ |
1,989,559 |
Officer and President, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scholastic Entertainment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sasha Quinton(8) |
2024 |
$ |
745,615 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
300,004 |
$ |
199,996 |
$ |
117,859 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
23,110 |
$ |
1,386,585 |
Executive Vice President and |
2023 |
$ |
614,616 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
299,977 |
$ |
200,013 |
$ |
426,250 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
20,326 |
$ |
1,561,181 |
President, School Reading Events |
2022 |
$ |
600,000 |
$ |
50,000 |
$ |
300,000 |
$ |
200,000 |
$ |
525,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
22,980 |
$ |
1,697,980 |
Andrew S. Hedden |
2024 |
$ |
600,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
300,004 |
$ |
199,996 |
$ |
94,999 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
21,229 |
$ |
1,216,228 |
Executive Vice President, |
2023 |
$ |
600,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
299,977 |
$ |
200,013 |
$ |
300,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
19,157 |
$ |
1,419,146 |
General Counsel and Secretary |
2022 |
$ |
600,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
165,000 |
$ |
110,000 |
$ |
525,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
19,580 |
$ |
1,419,580 |
Summary of All Other Compensation
Name |
Fiscal |
Severance |
401(k) Plan |
Life Insurance |
RSU Cost(1) |
Perquisites(2) |
Dividend Earnings |
Total |
|||||||
Peter Warwick |
2024 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,962 |
$ |
240 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
28,424 |
$ |
38,626 |
|
2023 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,712 |
$ |
250 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
40,433 |
$ |
50,395 |
|
2022 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
17,308 |
$ |
208 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
37,655 |
$ |
55,171 |
Haji Glover |
2024 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
5,769 |
$ |
160 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
1,224 |
$ |
7,153 |
Kenneth J. Cleary |
2024 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,687 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
83,102 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
11,539 |
$ |
104,808 |
|
2023 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,447 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
83,819 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
11,254 |
$ |
105,000 |
|
2022 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
8,423 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
33,521 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
12,824 |
$ |
55,248 |
Iole Lucchese |
2024 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
10,154 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
14,896 |
$ |
25,530 |
|
2023 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,900 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
50,766 |
$ |
15,483 |
$ |
76,629 |
|
2022 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,150 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
16,467 |
$ |
26,097 |
Sasha Quinton |
2024 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,560 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
13,071 |
$ |
23,110 |
|
2023 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
3,126 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
16,720 |
$ |
20,326 |
|
2022 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
2,901 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
100 |
$ |
19,499 |
$ |
22,980 |
Andrew S. Hedden |
2024 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
9,692 |
$ |
240 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
11,296 |
$ |
21,229 |
|
2023 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
8,865 |
$ |
250 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
10,042 |
$ |
19,157 |
|
2022 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
8,365 |
$ |
480 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
10,734 |
$ |
19,580 |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table provides information on cash bonus, stock options and restricted stock units granted in fiscal 2024 to each of the Named Executive Officers.
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units(2) |
All Other Options Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options(2) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/sh)(3) |
Closing Market Price on Grant Date ($/sh) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option |
|||||||||||
Name |
Grant |
Threshold |
Target |
Maximum |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Peter Warwick |
|
$ |
625,000 |
$ |
1,250,000 |
$ |
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7/18/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
41.37 |
$ |
999,965 |
|
Haji Glover |
|
$ |
156,250 |
$ |
312,500 |
$ |
546,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1/22/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,484 |
|
$ |
39.21 |
$ |
39.69 |
$ |
80,013 |
|
|
1/22/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
39.69 |
$ |
119,983 |
|
Kenneth J. Cleary |
|
$ |
156,250 |
$ |
312,500 |
$ |
546,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,167 |
|
$ |
36.96 |
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
199,996 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
300,004 |
|
Iole Lucchese |
|
$ |
200,000 |
$ |
400,000 |
$ |
700,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,601 |
|
$ |
36.96 |
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
240,002 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,740 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
359,990 |
|
Sasha Quinton |
|
$ |
253,750 |
$ |
507,500 |
$ |
888,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,167 |
|
$ |
36.96 |
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
199,996 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
300,004 |
|
Andrew S. Hedden |
|
$ |
150,000 |
$ |
300,000 |
$ |
525,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,167 |
|
$ |
36.96 |
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
199,996 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37.38 |
$ |
300,004 |
|
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT MAY 31, 2024
The following table sets forth certain information with regard to all unexercised options and all unvested restricted stock units held by the Named Executive Officers at May 31, 2024.
|
Grant |
Option Awards |
Stock Awards |
||||||||
Name(1) |
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options(1) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options(1) |
|
Option |
|
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock |
Market Value of Shares |
||
Peter Warwick |
9/24/2014 (3) |
2,308 |
0 |
|
$33.53 |
|
9/24/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/21/2015 (3) |
1,719 |
0 |
|
$43.56 |
|
9/21/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/21/2016 (3) |
2,112 |
0 |
|
$38.56 |
|
9/21/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/20/2017 (3) |
3,124 |
0 |
|
$38.61 |
|
9/20/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/26/2018 (3) |
2,721 |
0 |
|
$43.07 |
|
9/26/2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/18/2019 (3) |
3,471 |
0 |
|
$39.33 |
|
9/18/2029 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/23/2020 (3) |
8,434 |
0 |
|
$20.48 |
|
9/23/2030 |
|
|
|
|
|
8/02/2021 |
28,768 |
14,385 |
|
$33.86 |
|
8/2/2028 |
11,075 |
$ |
401,801 |
|
|
7/18/2023 (4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,455 |
$ |
887,227 |
|
Haji Glover |
1/22/2024 |
0 |
6,484 |
|
$39.21 |
|
1/22/2031 |
3,060 |
$ |
111,017 |
|
Kenneth J. Cleary |
9/23/2014 |
5,103 |
0 |
|
$33.87 |
|
9/23/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/21/2015 |
5,149 |
0 |
|
$43.56 |
|
9/21/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/20/2016 |
6,119 |
0 |
|
$39.16 |
|
9/20/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/19/2017 |
7,284 |
0 |
|
$38.60 |
|
9/19/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
12/12/2017 |
15,652 |
0 |
|
$42.02 |
|
12/12/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/25/2018 |
8,540 |
0 |
|
$42.94 |
|
9/25/2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2020 |
42,443 |
0 |
|
$20.63 |
|
9/22/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2021 |
9,462 |
4,732 |
|
$33.63 |
|
9/22/2028 |
1,636 |
$ |
59,354 |
|
|
9/20/2022 |
5,659 |
11,320 |
|
$42.28 |
|
9/20/2029 |
4,730 |
$ |
171,604 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
0 |
17,167 |
|
$36.96 |
|
9/26/2030 |
8,117 |
$ |
294,485 |
|
Iole Lucchese |
9/23/2014 |
21,194 |
0 |
|
$33.87 |
|
9/23/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/21/2015 |
15,972 |
0 |
|
$43.56 |
|
9/21/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/20/2016 |
19,806 |
0 |
|
$39.16 |
|
9/20/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/19/2017 |
23,468 |
0 |
|
$38.60 |
|
9/19/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/25/2018 |
8,540 |
0 |
|
$42.94 |
|
9/25/2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2020 |
53,050 |
0 |
|
$20.63 |
|
9/22/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2021 |
17,206 |
8,603 |
|
$33.63 |
|
9/22/2028 |
2,974 |
$ |
107,897 |
|
|
9/20/2022 |
6,791 |
13,584 |
|
$42.28 |
|
9/20/2029 |
5,676 |
$ |
205,925 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
0 |
20,601 |
|
$36.96 |
|
9/26/2030 |
9,740 |
$ |
353,367 |
|
Sasha Quinton |
3/17/2020 |
28,493 |
0 |
|
$26.51 |
|
3/17/2030 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2020 |
50,188 |
0 |
|
$20.63 |
|
9/22/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2021 |
17,206 |
8,603 |
|
$33.63 |
|
9/22/2028 |
2,974 |
$ |
107,897 |
|
|
9/20/2022 |
5,659 |
11,320 |
|
$42.28 |
|
9/20/2029 |
4,730 |
$ |
171,604 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
0 |
17,167 |
|
$36.96 |
|
9/26/2030 |
8,117 |
$ |
294,485 |
|
Andrew S. Hedden |
9/23/2014 |
21,194 |
0 |
|
$33.87 |
|
9/23/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/21/2015 |
15,972 |
0 |
|
$43.56 |
|
9/21/2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/20/2016 |
19,806 |
0 |
|
$39.16 |
|
9/20/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/19/2017 |
23,468 |
0 |
|
$38.60 |
|
9/19/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/25/2018 |
8,540 |
0 |
|
$42.94 |
|
9/25/2028 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2020 |
29,178 |
0 |
|
$20.63 |
|
9/22/2027 |
|
|
|
|
|
9/22/2021 |
9,462 |
4,732 |
|
$33.63 |
|
9/22/2028 |
1,636 |
$ |
59,354 |
|
|
9/20/2022 |
5,659 |
11,320 |
|
$42.28 |
|
9/20/2029 |
4,730 |
$ |
171,604 |
|
|
9/26/2023 |
0 |
17,167 |
|
$36.96 |
|
9/26/2030 |
8,117 |
$ |
294,485 |
|
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The following table shows the number of shares of Common Stock acquired during fiscal 2024 upon the exercise of stock options and upon the vesting of restricted stock units.
Name |
Option Awards |
Stock Awards |
||
|
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise |
Value Realized on Exercise(1) |
Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting |
Value Realized on Vesting(2) |
Peter Warwick |
0 |
$0 |
39,467 |
$1,657,336 |
Haji Glover |
0 |
$0 |
0 |
$0 |
Kenneth J. Cleary |
0 |
$0 |
7,878 |
$279,520 |
Iole Lucchese |
16,954 |
$161,572 |
10,659 |
$376,167 |
Sasha Quinton |
0 |
$0 |
10,186 |
$357,531 |
Andrew S. Hedden |
23,289 |
$221,944 |
6,666 |
$238,555 |
Pension Plan
The Company does not currently maintain a pension plan.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information about the contributions, if any, by the Named Executive Officers under nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, which relate solely to the MSPP, during fiscal 2024 and the balances thereunder at May 31, 2024.
Name |
Executive Contributions in the Last Fiscal Year |
Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year End(1) |
Peter Warwick |
$0 |
$0 |
Haji Glover |
$0 |
$0 |
Kenneth J. Cleary |
$249,500 |
$830,594 |
Iole Lucchese |
$0 |
$0 |
Sasha Quinton |
$0 |
$0 |
Andrew S. Hedden |
$0 |
$0 |
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL
The following discussion and tables describe and quantify the potential payments and benefits that would be provided to each of the Named Executive Officers in connection with a termination of employment or change-in-control under the Company’s compensation plans. Except where noted, the calculations of the potential payments to the Named Executive Officers reflect the assumption that the termination or change-in-control event occurred on May 31, 2024 using, for equity awards, the closing price per share of the Common Stock on that day of $36.28. The calculations exclude payments and benefits to the extent that they do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation in favor of the Company’s executive officers and are available generally to all salaried employees of the Company. Of the Named Executive Officers, as of May 31, 2024, Mr. Warwick, Mr. Glover, and Ms. Quinton are not retirement eligible under any of the plans and Mr. Cleary, Mr. Hedden and Ms. Lucchese are retirement eligible under all of the plans. The Company does not have a general severance policy applicable to all employees, with the exception of Mr. Warwick and Mr. Glover, each of whom has an agreed upon severance amount under the terms of his employment agreement, as further discussed on page 19, and such amounts are included in the table on page 32. Accordingly, unless under specifically negotiated arrangements, the Named Executive Officers are entitled to benefits upon termination of their employment or a change-in-control only as provided for in respect of stock options and restricted stock units previously granted under the 2021 Plan and 2011 Plan and previously purchased RSUs under the MSPP in accordance with the relevant terms of the plans.
409A Limitations. In compliance with Code Section 409A, an executive who is a “specified employee” (generally one of the fifty most highly compensated employees of the Company) at the time of termination of employment may not receive a payment of any compensation that is determined to be subject to Code Section 409A until six months after his or her departure from the Company (including, but not limited to, certain benefit payments on voluntary or involuntary termination and 409A deferred compensation plan benefits).
Change-in-control. Neither of the MSPP, the 2021 Plan or the 2011 Plan contain provisions that automatically change the terms of any award or accelerate the vesting of any unvested restricted stock unit or stock option upon a change-in-control. However, each of these plans has various provisions that would permit the Board committee responsible for administering such plan to amend, change or terminate the plan and/or the terms of the awards made under the plan or otherwise provide for the: (i) acceleration of vesting of restricted stock units, (ii) acceleration of vesting of stock options and/or (iii) conversion of restricted stock units to stock. Because the HRCC (which administers each of these plans) has this power and may, in its discretion, choose to exercise such power in connection with a change-in-control or similar event (such as a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity or the acquisition of the Company’s Common Stock by a single person or group), the Company has presented information in the table on page 32 below regarding potential pay-outs to the Named Executive Officers upon a change-in-control based on the assumption that the HRCC would use its authority to accelerate vesting of restricted stock units and stock options and convert restricted stock units to shares under these plans effective upon a change-in-control of the Company.
MSPP Plan
As described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Other Equity-Based Incentives” above, eligible members of senior management, including the Named Executive Officers, may defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual cash bonus payments received under the STIP (formerly the MIP) through the purchase of RSUs under the MSPP. The following table describes the payment provisions for RSUs under the terms of the MSPP upon a termination of employment of an executive participating in the MSPP.
Status of |
Voluntary |
Involuntary |
Normal |
Death or |
Vested RSUs |
RSUs convert into stock. |
RSUs convert into stock. |
RSUs convert into stock. |
RSUs convert into stock. |
Unvested RSUs |
RSUs are forfeited and participant receives cash equal to the lesser of the fair market value of the underlying stock or the purchase price of the unvested RSUs. |
RSUs are forfeited and participant receives a partial payment in stock and cash. The amount of stock is equal to a percentage of RSUs, with the number of full years of employment since purchase as the numerator and 3 as the denominator, and the remainder is paid in cash at the lesser of the purchase price of the unvested RSUs or the fair market value of the number of shares underlying the unvested RSUs on the date of termination. |
Vesting is accelerated and RSUs convert into stock. Retirement is defined as age 55 or older with 10 years employment. |
Vesting is accelerated and RSUs convert into stock. |
The 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan
As described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis-Options to Purchase Common Stock and Restricted Stock Units” above, the Company has granted to its Named Executive Officers a combination of stock options and restricted stock units as part of its long-term compensation program.
The following table illustrates the payment provisions upon a termination of employment for stock options and restricted stock units under the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan in effect at May 31, 2024.
Type of equity |
Voluntary |
Termination for Cause |
Involuntary |
Normal |
Death or |
Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan. |
Unvested options are forfeited. Participant has 90 days to exercise vested options. |
All options expire as of the date of termination. |
Unvested options are forfeited. Participant has 90 days to exercise vested options. |
Unvested options continue to vest. Participant has 3 years from the date of retirement to exercise vested options. Retirement is defined as age 55 or older and at least 10 years of continuous employment. |
Vesting is accelerated. Participant or his or her estate has one year to exercise vested options. |
RSUs granted under the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan. |
Unvested RSUs are forfeited. |
Unvested RSUs are forfeited. |
Unvested RSUs are forfeited. |
Vesting is accelerated and RSUs convert into stock for all unvested RSUs granted more than one year before the date of retirement. Unvested RSUs granted for at least a year or less before the date of retirement are forfeited. Retirement is defined as age 55 or older and at least 10 years of continuous employment. |
Vesting is accelerated and RSUs convert into stock. |
The table below shows the aggregate amount of potential payments that each Named Executive Officer (or his or her beneficiary or estate) would have been entitled to receive if his or her employment had terminated, or, as noted under “Change-in-control” above, is assumed to receive if a change-in-control had occurred on, May 31, 2024 under the MSPP, the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan. The amounts shown assume that termination or the change-in-control was effective as of May 31, 2024, and include amounts earned through such time and estimates of the amounts which could otherwise have been paid out to the Named Executive Officers at that time. The actual amounts which would be paid out can only be determined at the time of each Named Executive Officer’s separation from the Company or at the time of a change-in-control. Annual bonuses are discretionary, unless contractually-obligated, and are therefore omitted from the table.
Name |
Voluntary Termination |
Termination for Cause |
Involuntary |
Normal Retirement |
Death/ |
Change-In-Control |
Peter Warwick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(1) |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,172,107 |
n/a |
$0 |
$2,314,056 |
2021 Plan Performance Stock Units(1) |
$0 |
$0 |
$887,227 |
n/a |
$887,227 |
$887,227 |
2011 Plan Restricted Stock Units(1) |
$0 |
$0 |
$401,801 |
n/a |
$401,801 |
$401,801 |
2011 Plan Stock Options(1) |
$69,619 |
$0 |
$104,430 |
n/a |
$104,430 |
$104,430 |
Total |
$69,619 |
$0 |
$2,565,565 |
|
$1,393,459 |
$3,707,515 |
Haji Glover |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(2) |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,250,000 |
n/a |
$0 |
$0 |
2021 Plan Restricted Stock Units(3) |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
n/a |
$111,017 |
$111,017 |
2021 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
n/a |
$0 |
$0 |
Total |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,250,000 |
|
$111,017 |
$111,017 |
Kenneth J. Cleary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MSPP(5) |
$601,645 |
$601,645 |
$744,926 |
$830,594 |
$830,594 |
$830,594 |
2021 Plan Restricted Stock Units(3) |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$230,958 |
$525,443 |
$525,443 |
2021 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$25,074 |
$0 |
$25,074 |
$25,074 |
$37,614 |
$37,614 |
2011 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$676,531 |
$0 |
$676,531 |
$676,531 |
$676,531 |
$676,531 |
Total |
$1,303,250 |
$601,645 |
$1,446,531 |
$1,763,158 |
$2,070,183 |
$2,070,183 |
Iole Lucchese |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 Plan Restricted Stock Units(3) |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$313,822 |
$667,189 |
$667,189 |
2021 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$45,596 |
$0 |
$45,596 |
$45,596 |
$68,394 |
$68,394 |
2011 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$881,310 |
$0 |
$881,310 |
$881,310 |
$881,310 |
$881,310 |
Total |
$926,906 |
$0 |
$926,906 |
$1,240,728 |
$1,616,893 |
$1,616,893 |
Sasha Quinton |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 Plan Restricted Stock Units(3) |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
n/a |
$573,986 |
$573,986 |
2021 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$45,596 |
$0 |
$45,596 |
n/a |
$68,394 |
$68,394 |
2011 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$1,063,819 |
$0 |
$1,063,819 |
n/a |
$1,063,819 |
$1,063,819 |
Total |
$1,109,415 |
$0 |
$1,109,415 |
|
$1,706,199 |
$1,706,199 |
Andrew Hedden |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 Plan Restricted Stock Units(3) |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$230,958 |
$525,443 |
$525,443 |
2021 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$25,074 |
$0 |
$25,074 |
$25,074 |
$37,614 |
$37,614 |
2011 Plan Stock Options(4) |
$507,713 |
$0 |
$507,713 |
$507,713 |
$507,713 |
$507,713 |
Total |
$532,788 |
$0 |
$532,788 |
$763,746 |
$1,070,771 |
$1,070,771 |
Pay Ratio
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”)
requires that the Company determine the ratio of the CEO’s total compensation (under the Summary Compensation Table definition) to that of the Company’s global median employee.
To determine the median employee, the Company made a direct determination from its
global employee population, excluding non-US locations to the extent that the total employees excluded in these locations in aggregate did not exceed 5% of the total employee population. As a result, the Company excluded 200 employees in India, 114 in Malaysia, 6 in Ireland, and 6 in Taiwan out of the global employee population of approximately 6,800. The Company established a consistently applied compensation measure inclusive of base pay, overtime, and incentives. The employee population was evaluated as of March 31, 2024, and reflects paid compensation from June 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Where allowed under the rule, the Company has annualized compensation through May 31, 2024 and annualized compensation for employees newly hired in this fiscal year. Non-US compensation was converted to US dollars based on applicable exchange rates as of March 31, 2024.
Based on the above determination, the total compensation (under the Summary Compensation Table definition) for the median employee is $43,540. Using the CEO’s total compensation of $2,038,591 under the same definition, the resulting ratio is 47:1.
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE
The following table shows the total compensation for the Company’s Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) for the past four fiscal years as calculated for Summary Compensation Table (the “SCT”) purposes, the “compensation actually paid” to the Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and, on an average basis, the Company’s other NEOs (in each case, as determined under Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K), the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”), the TSR of the peer group (as defined below) and the Company’s net income /(loss) and operating income /(loss).
For purposes of the Pay Versus Performance Table, the PEOs and other NEOs for the applicable years were as follows:
Pay Versus Performance Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of $100 Investment based on: |
|
|
|
Year |
Summary Compensation Table Total for Mr. Robinson (1) |
Summary Compensation Table Total for Mr. Warwick (1) |
Compensation Actually Paid to Mr. Robinson (2) |
Compensation Actually Paid to Mr. Warwick (2) |
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs |
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (2) |
Total |
Peer Group Total Shareholder Return |
Net |
|
2024 |
N/A |
N/A |
||||||||
2023(5) |
N/A |
N/A |
||||||||
2022 |
( |
|||||||||
2021 |
N/A |
N/A |
( |
( |
||||||
Accordingly, the peer group for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 consisted of Pearson plc, John Wiley & Co. Inc and Stride, Inc; the cumulative total shareholder return presented in the table for those years reflects the impact of the prior peer groups total cumulative shareholder return for fiscal years 2021 and 2022.
If the peer group for fiscal 2023 had consisted of Pearson plc, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (through April 7, 2022 only), the total shareholder return of a $100 investment made on May 31, 2020 would have been $188.38 for fiscal year 2023.
If the peer group for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 had consisted of Pearson PLC, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Stride, Inc., the cumulative total shareholder return would have been $182.15, $163.55, $157.02 and $201.63 for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The determination of “compensation actually paid” begins with the total compensation reported in the SCT. In determining compensation actually paid, SEC proxy disclosure rules require that certain adjustments be made to the SCT totals with respect to equity-based and other compensation. For equity-based awards made during the year, the recorded grant date value is replaced with the estimated year-end value. For equity-based awards made in prior years, but paid out during the year, the value at payout is included. And for equity-based awards made in prior years that remain unvested at year-end, the estimated change in value from the beginning to the end of the year is included. For performance-based equity awards, the estimate of year-end value is based upon the “probable outcome” of the performance conditions as of the last day of the fiscal year.
Given the methodology under which “compensation actually paid” is required to be calculated, these amounts are subject to significant fluctuation based on stock price volatility. For discussion of how the HRCC assessed Company performance and the compensation of the NEOs, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023(1) |
2024 |
||||||||
|
Mr. Robinson |
Mr. Warwick |
Average for Other NEOs |
Mr. Robinson |
Mr. Warwick |
Average for Other NEOs |
Mr. Robinson |
Mr. Warwick |
Average for Other NEOs |
Mr. Robinson |
Mr. Warwick |
Average for Other NEOs |
Summary Compensation Total |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|||||||||
Deduction of grant date fair value of stock awards granted in fiscal year |
N/A |
( |
( |
( |
N/A |
( |
( |
N/A |
( |
( |
||
Increase in fair value at fiscal year-end of outstanding unvested stock awards granted in fiscal year |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|||||||||
Increase in fair value at vesting of stock awards granted in fiscal year that vested during fiscal year |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|||||||||
Change in fair value of outstanding unvested stock awards granted in prior fiscal years |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
( |
( |
|||||||
Change in fair value as of vesting date of stock awards granted in prior fiscal years for which applicable vesting conditions were satisfied during fiscal year |
( |
N/A |
( |
( |
N/A |
N/A |
( |
( |
||||
Deduction for fair value as of prior fiscal year-end of stock awards granted in prior fiscal years that failed to meet applicable vesting conditions during fiscal year |
N/A |
( |
N/A |
N/A |
||||||||
Compensation actually paid (2) |
N/A |
( |
N/A |
N/A |
||||||||
Relationship Between Compensation Actually Paid and Performance Measures
As discussed earlier in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, the Company’s general approach is to align compensation to performance. For the fiscal years 2022 and 2023, each of net income, operating income and total shareholder return increased year over year. For the fiscal year 2024, each of net income, operating income and total shareholder returns declined significantly compared to fiscal year 2023. Operating income was significantly reduced in 2024 as a result of lower revenues company-wide (7% decline) and continued spending on new product development and go-to-market initiatives in the Company’s Education Solutions segment, Lower net income and lower total shareholder return are reflective of the declines in operating income.
During fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2024, compensation paid to the named executive officers peaked in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2021, the effects of COVID-19 continued to negatively impact the Company’s book net income and operating income as a large percentage of schools
were operating in a remote or hybrid mode. Also in fiscal 2021, the Company extended an offer of employment to Rosamund Else-Mitchell, who became an executive officer of the Company on June 1, 2021; Ms. Else-Mitchell’s employment agreement provided for bonus payments and equity awards in fiscal 2021 and 2022. In fiscal 2022, Richard Robinson, the Company’s long-time chief executive officer unexpectedly passed away early in the first quarter. As the new chief executive officer, Mr. Warwick’s compensation for fiscal 2022 reflects the terms of his employment agreement effective August 1, 2021, including initial equity grants discussed earlier under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” In fiscal 2024, Mr. Haji Glover joined the company as the Chief Financial Officer effective January 22, 2024; in connection with his employment, Mr. Glover received a one-time equity grant of $200,000 upon hire and a minimum guaranteed bonus for fiscal 2024 of $200,000.
The compensation actually paid to Mr. Robinson in fiscal 2021 was $1,474,491 and a negative ($352,506) for fiscal 2022, reflecting the impact of his passing on outstanding equity awards. As noted above, Mr. Warwick became the chief executive officer on August 1, 2021 and his compensation actually paid for fiscal 2022 of $5,557,737 reflects his employment agreement and sign-on awards. For the other NEOs, their compensation actually paid during this period increased from $1,809,614 in fiscal 2021 to $2,093,301 in fiscal 2022 and decreased to $1,908,873 for fiscal 2023 and further decreased in fiscal 2024 to $896,796. As noted above, fiscal 2024 compensation reflects Mr. Glover’s partial year status and his one-time grant and minimum guaranteed bonus in connection with his joining the Company. SCT compensation and compensation actually paid for fiscal 2024 for Mr. Warwick and other NEOs decreased compared to the prior years presented in part as a result of not meeting Corporate Operating Income goals, which comprised a significant portion of their 2024 STIP bonus. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Fiscal 2024 STIP Bonuses.”
2024 Most Important Performance Measure
In addition to net income and TSR, we believe that
STIP Funding
Corporate Operating Income targets, Divisional Operating Income targets (for business units) and Departmental Budget Objectives (for staff positions) and agreed individual goals are used to determine the funding of and payouts under the STIP as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” Corporate Operating Income, Division Operating Income and Department Budget Objectives are each non-GAAP measures that are defined above under “Compensation and Discussion Analysis – Fiscal 2024 STIP Bonuses.”
The Company entered into a share repurchase agreement, dated as of April 18, 2024 (the “Repurchase Agreement), to purchase shares of its Common Stock from the Estate of M. Richard Robinson, Jr. (the “Estate”) in a private transaction. Pursuant to the Repurchase Agreement, the Company purchased 400,000 shares of Common Stock on April 18, 2024 at a price of $33.50646 per share from the Estate, representing an aggregate purchase price of $13,402,584. The price per share paid represented a 3.8% discount to the closing price of the Common Stock ($34.83) on the date of execution of the Repurchase Agreement. As discussed on page 4 above, the Estate currently holds certain Common Stock, as well as shares of Class A Stock, of the Company previously owned by the late Mr. Robinson, the Company’s former Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President.
Iole Lucchese, Chair of the Board and Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and President of Scholastic Entertainment, and Andrew S. Hedden, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, are the Preliminary Co-Executors of the Estate.
The Repurchase Agreement was approved at a special meeting of the Board (without Ms. Lucchese's participation) at which the Board reviewed and approved the transaction, upon the recommendation of the Company's Audit Committee. In approving the transaction, the Audit Committee, which consists entirely of independent directors with no financial interest in the transaction, assisted by outside counsel and an independent financial advisory firm, met to discuss the proposed transaction and evaluated it considering a variety of factors, including: (i) the limited amount of Common Shares that the Company is able to repurchase subject to the Rule 10b-18 safe harbor guidelines under its current share repurchase program; (ii) the Company's current share repurchase goals; (iii) the Company's available cash position; (iv) the Company's desire to reverse the impact of dilutive issuances of Common Shares under its compensatory programs; (v) the ability to execute the transaction without the need for the Company to pay brokerage fees on the shares to be repurchased; and (vi) the information obtained from the independent financial adviser selected by the Committee.
The amount of Common Stock repurchased by the Company represented less than 1.5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock, and the repurchase was made pursuant to the Company’s current share repurchase program as previously approved by the Board.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table presents information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans at May 31, 2024.
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, |
|
Weighted average |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
||||
Equity Compensation plans approved |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Common Stock |
|
2,942,293 |
|
|
|
$30.99 |
|
|
1,700,743(1) |
|
|
Class A Stock |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
|||
Equity Compensation plans not |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Common Stock |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
|||
Class A Stock |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
|||
Total |
|
2,942,293 |
|
|
|
$30.99 |
|
|
1,700,743 |
|
|
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The HRCC adopted the Scholastic Corporation Senior Management Stock Ownership Guidelines (the “Stock Ownership Guidelines”) in 2002. The Stock Ownership Guidelines require certain members of senior management, including the Named Executive Officers, to maintain certain specified ownership levels of the Common Stock of the Company, based on a multiple of annual base salary, exclusive of bonuses or other forms of special compensation. The multiple applicable to the Chief Executive Officer is three times annual base salary and the multiple applicable to the other Named Executive Officers is two times annual base salary. The Stock Ownership Guidelines originally provided that, with respect to each person subject to them, they would be phased in over a five year period, which was subsequently extended to six years by the HRCC. For purposes of determining compliance with the Stock Ownership Guidelines, Common Stock includes all Common Stock and securities acquired through participation in any of the Company’s incentive, retirement or stock purchase plans based on the value of Common Stock, but excluding options to purchase Common Stock. At May 31, 2024, Mr. Warwick is in his third year, Mr. Glover is in his first year and Ms. Quinton is in her fourth year of being subject to the Stock Ownership Guidelines, each of whom is subject to the six year phase-in rule. Ms. Lucchese has reached her eighth year and currently has 160% of her required ownership level, exclusive of any shares attributed to her under the Estate of Mr. Robinson. Mr. Hedden has reached his sixteenth year and currently has 189% of his required ownership level.
MATTERS SUBMITTED TO STOCKHOLDERS
PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that the Class A Stockholders, voting as a class, have the right to fix the size of the Board so long as it does not consist of fewer than three or more than fifteen directors. In March 2024, the Class A Stockholders set the Board at eleven directors. The vacancy that resulted from Margaret A. Williams declining to stand for re-election at the 2022 Annual Meeting was filled by Kaya Henderson at the Board's March 2024 Meeting when she was elected by the Directors elected by the holders of Class A Stock at the 2023 Annual Meeting. Additionally, the remaining vacancy created by the expansion of the Board was filled by Alix Guerrier at the Board's March 2024 meeting, when he was elected by the Directors elected by the holders of Common Stock at the 2023 Annual Meeting.
The Board recommends that Class A Stockholders vote FOR each of the eight nominees for election by such holders. Assuming the presence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the Class A Stockholders present and entitled to vote on this item at the Annual Meeting is required to elect each of the nominees.
The Board recommends that holders of the Common Stock vote FOR each of the three nominees for election by such holders. Assuming the presence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of the Common Stock present and entitled to vote on this item at the Annual Meeting is required to elect each of the nominees.
Nominees for Election by Holders of Class A Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
Name |
|
Principal Occupation or Employment |
|
Age |
|
Since |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrés Alonso |
|
CEO, Andrés A. Alonso LLC, Weehawken, NJ and Former Co-Chair, Public Education Leadership Project, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA |
|
67 |
|
2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Dumont |
|
Principal, Robert Dumont, PLLC, New York, NY |
|
72 |
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kaya Henderson |
|
Chief Executive Officer, Reconstruction US, Washington, D.C. |
|
54 |
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linda Li |
|
Chief of Staff to the CEO and VP, Strategic Operations, Pinterest, San Francisco, CA |
|
36 |
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iole Lucchese |
|
Chair of the Board and Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and President, Scholastic Entertainment |
|
57 |
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Verdell Walker |
|
Former Head of Programming, New Formats, Spotify USA Inc., Los Angeles, CA |
|
37 |
|
2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Warwick |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
|
72 |
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David J. Young |
|
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hachette Book Group USA, New York, NY |
|
73 |
|
2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nominees for Election by Holders of Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
Name |
|
Principal Occupation or Employment |
|
Age |
|
Since |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James W. Barge |
|
Chief Financial Officer, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Santa Monica, CA |
|
69 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John L. Davies |
|
Private Investor, Washington, DC |
|
74 |
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alix Guerrier |
|
Chief Executive Officer, DonorsChoose.org, Washington, D.C. |
|
47 |
|
2024 |
Andrés Alonso. Dr. Alonso is Special Trustee of the Public School Districts' Opioid Recovery Trust, a court-appointed position charged with overseeing the distribution of grants to public school districts to address the damage caused by the opioid crisis. He is also an educational advisor to foundations and large urban school districts and state governments in the United States and Latin America. He is the Former Co-Chair of the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP), a collaboration between principally the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and Harvard Business School, as well as faculty of other Harvard schools, to support the effectiveness of leadership teams in large urban school districts in the United States. Dr. Alonso served as Professor of Practice at HGSE from 2013 to 2018, teaching on driving change, school reform and the leadership of instruction, and helping lead the Education Degree in Leadership Doctorate program. Previously, he led the Baltimore City Public Schools as Chief Executive Officer from 2007 to 2013. From 2006 to 2007, Dr. Alonso served as Deputy Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, and from 2003 to 2006, as Chief of Staff for Teaching and Learning, at the New York City Department of Education. From 1987 to 1998, Dr. Alonso taught special needs and English language learners in the Newark, NJ, public school system. Dr. Alonso earned a BA from Columbia and a JD from Harvard Law School and practiced law in New York City from 1982 to 1984, prior to determining to enter the teaching profession. Dr. Alonso received a doctorate in education from Harvard in 2006. Dr. Alonso is actively involved with many institutions, including as a trustee of the William T. Grant Foundation, a trustee of the Data Quality Campaign, a trustee of the Panasonic foundation, a former trustee and former chair of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a former board member of the Annenberg project and a present member and former trustee of the Teachers College of Columbia University President's Advisory Council. He is the past chair of the Reporting and Dissemination Committee of the National Assessment Governing Board.
Robert L. Dumont. Mr. Dumont is an attorney and currently the principal of Robert Dumont PLLC, a boutique law firm specializing in tax and estate planning for international private clients and family offices. Mr. Dumont established his private practice after thirty years of experience with large organizations: first as a partner in the law firm of Baker & McKenzie LLP and then as the leader of Deloitte Tax LLP’s international private client practice. Mr. Dumont is a member of the Bar of the State of New York, the Bar of England and Wales (non-practicing solicitor) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Kaya Henderson. Ms. Henderson currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Reconstruction US, a technology company she co-founded and launched in April 2020. Reconstruction US delivers a K-12 supplemental curriculum that situates Black people, culture, and contributions in an authentic, identity-affirming way for the benefit of students from all
backgrounds. Before serving in her current role, Ms. Henderson served as Principal for her consulting company, Kaya Henderson Consulting. She also previously worked for Teach for All for over two years as Head of the Global Learning Lab for Community Impact. In that role, she led the organization's international community strategy across 60 countries. From 2007 to 2016, Ms. Henderson had a successful tenure with the District of Columbia Public Schools. She first served as Deputy Chancellor and was subsequently promoted to Interim Chancellor and then Chancellor, a role she held for five years. Under her leadership, the school district experienced consecutive years of enrollment growth, an increase in graduation rates, wider access to advanced courses for all students, and improvements in student satisfaction and teacher retention. Additionally, her legacy in the D.C. public school system includes major gains in reading and math performance. In her early career, Ms. Henderson taught Spanish to sixth through eighth grade students in New York City via Teach for America, and she later spent six years working with Teach for America in roles of increasing responsibility. In her last role with Teach for America, she served as Executive Director in Washington, D.C. She also spent seven years with The New Teacher Project, first as Partner and then as Vice President for Strategic Partnerships. Ms. Henderson has served as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence for Georgetown University, as Superintendent in Residence for The Broad Center, and as a Fellow for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Ms. Henderson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service, a Master of Arts in Leadership, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Georgetown University and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Trinity Washington University.
Linda Li. Ms. Li is a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who brings extensive experience in driving growth and innovation in the consumer technology and media sectors. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO and VP, Strategic Operations at Pinterest. She previously held the position of Senior Vice President & General Manager of Wirecutter at The New York Times, where she transformed Wirecutter into the leading product recommendation service in the country. Before Wirecutter, she led strategy and launched products in various roles at Facebook, The New York Times, and Lending Club. She began her career in management consulting, where she became chief of staff to the Chairman & Managing Director of McKinsey Asia. Ms. Li has an MBA, Master in Public Policy, and AB with distinction from Harvard University.
Iole Lucchese. Ms. Lucchese was appointed Chair of the Board in July 2021 and is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the Company. She also serves as President, Scholastic Entertainment and formerly served as Co-President and, subsequently, as President of Scholastic Canada. As Chief Strategy Officer, Ms. Lucchese advances the Company’s strategic and creative initiatives across all business units, including new initiatives, existing business transformation, and cross-Company marketing. Ms. Lucchese has a strong track record of achieving change over the course of her thirty years at the Company, including the significant expansion of the book publishing and distribution group during her senior management roles with Scholastic Canada, cementing the Company’s position as the #1 children’s book publisher in that market. In addition to her corporate oversight, Ms. Lucchese is also responsible for the Company’s digital content and e-commerce strategy, ensuring modernization and a direct-to-parents approach. As President, Scholastic Entertainment, Ms. Lucchese has overseen a rapid expansion of the award-winning division, bringing Scholastic’s highly-engaging intellectual property to new formats and reaching new audiences and enhancing the strength of the Company’s brand.
Verdell Walker. Ms. Walker is a seasoned consumer-oriented Content and Marketing professional and board director with significant expertise in the kids and family entertainment space. Further, she has a proven track record of developing and executing innovative strategies that achieve bottom line growth and increase brand value. Since November 2020 and until August 2023, Ms. Walker has held positions at Spotify, Inc. as the Head of Kids Audio Content and, subsequently, the Head of Programming, New Formats, where she was responsible for content strategy and innovation. Before joining Spotify, Ms. Walker was a Global Brand & Content Marketing Manager for the Thomas & Friends™ franchise at Mattel, Inc. Ms. Walker has also held roles at Sesame Workshop, The Wall Street Journal, and Goldman Sachs. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Ms. Walker also graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College, CT. She holds the CERT Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight from the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Peter Warwick. Mr. Warwick was elected as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2021 and has worked in the publishing and information industry for more than forty years, having most recently served as the Chief People Officer of Thomson Reuters from 2012 until his retirement in 2018. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the Professional division of Thomson Reuters and President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Reuters Legal. Mr. Warwick has also been President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Tax & Accounting and Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Legal & Regulatory Asia Pacific, where he was responsible for businesses in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Prior to joining Thomson in 1998, he worked for twenty years in educational publishing at Pearson plc, including being Managing Director of Pitman Publishing, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Longman and Chief Executive Officer of Pearson Professional.
David J. Young. Mr. Young is a former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hachette Book Group USA and spent forty-five years in the publishing industry. In 1970, he started his career at Thorsons, which had been founded by his grandfather and later purchased by Harper Collins. Mr. Young then held various positions at Harper Collins until he became the Managing Director of Little Brown and Company in 1996 and, in 2000, the Chief Executive Officer of the Time Warner Book Group, the parent company of Little Brown and Company. From 2005 to 2013, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Hachette Book Group USA, then moving to become the Deputy CEO of Hachette UK until his retirement in December 2015. During his career, Mr. Young served on a number of publishing association boards including serving as Chair of the Association of American Publishers during 2012-13 and as the President of the Book Trade Benevolent Society from 2013-2017. Mr. Young was a board member of Tate Enterprises, Millbank, London from 2016-2023, and is the Chairman of Canongate Books Ltd., the Scottish independent publisher, and a director of Raymond Chandler Limited.
James W. Barge. Mr. Barge is the Chief Financial Officer of Lionsgate Entertainment Corp., where he has oversight of all financial operations, information technology, and planning and setting strategy as a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. From 2010 to 2012, he served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Viacom Inc., having served as its Executive Vice President, Controller, Tax and Treasury since January 2008. He was the Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Time Warner Inc. from 2002
to 2007 with company-wide responsibilities encompassing financial oversight of Time Warner’s various business units, including publishing operations Time Inc., Little Brown, and Warner Books. Prior to joining Time Warner in 1995, Mr. Barge held several positions at Ernst & Young, including Area Industry Leader of the Consumer Products Group and National Office Partner, where he was responsible for the resolution of SEC accounting and reporting matters. While at Ernst & Young, Mr. Barge served clients across a wide variety of industries, and larger client responsibilities included The Coca-Cola Company and Warner Bros. Mr. Barge is an Emeritus member of the Alumni Board for the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.
John L. Davies. Mr. Davies is a private investor. Mr. Davies retired from AOL in 2002, which he had joined in 1993 as Senior Vice President. In 1994, he founded AOL International, where he served as President until becoming Senior Advisor in 2000. He was also a director of Tickets.com Inc. until March 2005 when it became a private company.
Alix Guerrier. Mr. Guerrier currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for DonorsChoose, a leading nonprofit organization that supports public schools in the United States through the use of its crowdfunding platform. As CEO, Mr. Guerrier works to ensure DonorsChoose maintains a focus on equity while expanding its broad appeal and advancing its mission to serve students in every community. Prior to DonorsChoose, Mr. Guerrier served for three years as the CEO of GlobalGiving, a nonprofit organization and global crowdfunding community that enables donors to support charitable projects around the world. In 2011, Mr. Guerrier co-founded LearnZillion, an educational technology company offering school districts a free, cloud-based curriculum, which was subsequently acquired by Edgenuity and Weld North Education. Prior to that, Mr. Guerrier had a five-and-a-half-year career with McKinsey & Company, first as an Associate in the company's Healthcare Practice and then as an Engagement Manager and Expert in McKinsey's Education Practice. Mr. Guerrier began his career in education by serving as a teacher for the Pan American School of Porto Alegre in Brazil and then as a sixth-grade math and science teacher at Costaño Elementary School in East Palo Alto, California, as part of Teach for America. He then spent two years as a math teacher for Leadership High School in San Francisco, California. Mr. Guerrier has an AB degree in Physics from Harvard University, a Master's degree in Education from Stanford University, and an MBA from Stanford University.
The Board and the Nominating and Governance Committee believe that it is essential that Board members represent diverse viewpoints. Experience in business, in government and education and in media and entertainment are factors in the selection process. The value of diversity on the Board will also be considered when evaluating nominees including diversity of background, gender, race, ethnic or geographic origin and age. The diverse backgrounds and experience of the current members of the Board combine to provide the Company with the perspectives and judgment needed to provide the necessary guidance and oversight of the Company's business and strategies. The qualifications of the current and nominated members of the Board include:
Andrés Alonso
Robert L. Dumont
Kaya Henderson
Linda Li
Iole Lucchese
Verdell Walker
Peter Warwick
David J. Young
James W. Barge
John L. Davies
Alix Guerrier
communities.
Board Diversity Matrix
Board Diversity Matrix (As of August 8, 2024) |
||||
Total Number of Directors |
11 |
|||
|
Female |
Male |
Non- |
Did Not |
Part I: Gender Identity |
|
|
|
|
Directors |
4 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
Part II: Demographic Background |
|
|
|
|
African American or Black |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Alaskan Native or Native American |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Asian |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Hispanic or Latinx |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
White |
1 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
Two or More Races or Ethnicities |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
LGBTQ+ |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
One director has specifically identified as a Cuban-American and a first generation immigrant.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
The Board believes that risk oversight is the responsibility of the Board as a whole and not of any one of its committees. The Board periodically reviews the processes established by management to identify and manage risks, communicates with management about these processes and receives regular reports from each of its committees concerning, among other things, risks arising within their areas of responsibility. To facilitate the Board’s risk oversight,
the Board has delegated certain functions (including the oversight of risks related to these functions) to various Board committees. The Audit Committee generally evaluates the risks related to the Company’s financial reporting process and oversees the Company’s general risk identification and risk management processes. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee evaluates the risks presented by the Company’s compensation and retirement programs and takes into account these risks when making compensation decisions. The Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates whether the Board has the requisite core competencies to respond to the risks that the Company faces. The Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee provides oversight in respect to the risk profile of the Company as it relates to the Company’s computer systems and computer software applications, infrastructure and platforms, including cybersecurity strategy and the security of systems and information databases, as well as competitive, marketplace and financial risks in connection with technology. Additionally, the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee periodically reviews specific systems risk areas, including disaster recovery preparedness, security against data breaches and the identification of data breaches, reliability of systems performance and systems obsolescence, as well as the Company’s privacy (including the treatment of personally identifiable information (PII) and other customer data), data retention and data protection policies and practices. The roles and responsibilities of these committees are discussed in more detail below. Although the Board has delegated certain functions to various committees, each of these committees regularly reports to and solicits input from the full Board regarding its activities.
As stated in its credo, the Company believes in the worth and dignity of each individual and respects the diverse groups in our multicultural society, and the Board is focused on helping identify and address environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities that are material and impactful to the Company’s brand and its business in ways that align with the Company’s mission and credo. The Board has ultimate responsibility for overseeing the Company’s ESG practices, policies and initiatives, and receives periodic updates from members of management who have the day-to-day responsibility for these matters.
Oversight is handled either at the Board level or by one of the standing committees, each of which reports regularly to the Board:
• Environmental — As part of its general oversight of the Company’s supply chain and manufacturing processes, the full Board, with the assistance of the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee, reviews environmental-related risks that may impact the Company and its brand.
• Social — Diversity, equity and inclusion and succession planning are overseen by the full Board, while the HRCC is responsible for the review of the Company’s compensation structure and the review of pay equity. In both of the above contexts, the Human Resources Department of the Company works closely with the Board and the HRCC.
• Governance — The Nominating & Governance Committee oversees corporate governance matters, including advising on board structure and composition as well as desired Board competencies, and key policies, and making recommendations to the Board regarding
board diversity and board succession planning. The Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee oversees data and business processes governance.
The Board’s Role in Human Capital Management
Recognizing the critical importance of executive leadership to the success of the Company, the HRCC, reporting to the Board, and in conjunction with senior Human Resources management, regularly discusses management succession at the Company dealing with various levels of the management structure. On at least an annual basis, Company management reviews with the Board the Company’s leadership succession plans for senior leadership roles. In addition, the HRCC annually evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and makes compensation recommendations based thereon.
In addition to succession planning and leadership development, the Board and the HRCC regularly review and discuss with management matters related to human capital management, including diversity, equity and inclusion, talent development, workplace culture and compensation and benefits. In addition, the Board and its committees regularly review and discuss with management various strategies and initiatives to support the health, safety and well-being of employees.
Meetings of the Board and its Committees
Five regular meetings and three special meetings of the Board were held during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. All incumbent directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate of such meetings and of the meetings held during the fiscal year by all standing committees of the Board of which they were a member.
The Board currently has five standing committees: Audit; Executive; Human Resources and Compensation; Nominating and Governance; and Technology, Data and Supply Chain. All members of the Audit, Human Resources and Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees are independent directors, as defined under NASDAQ listing standards. All committee members are appointed by the Board on an annual basis each September. Each committee operates under a written charter establishing its roles and responsibilities, which can be found in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, investor.scholastic.com, and regularly reports to the Board on its deliberations and actions, which are also submitted to the Board for ratification as appropriate.
Executive Committee. Iole Lucchese, Peter Warwick and John L. Davies are the current members of the Executive Committee. In the intervals between meetings of the Board, the Executive Committee is authorized to exercise, with certain exceptions, all of the powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company. No meetings of the Executive Committee were held during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024, as all urgent matters occurring during fiscal 2024 were handled by the full Board.
Audit Committee. James W. Barge (Chairperson), John L. Davies, Robert Dumont and David Young are the current members of the Audit Committee. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent, as defined under NASDAQ listing standards and applicable SEC regulations. The Board has determined that all of the current Audit Committee members are “financially literate,” as defined under NASDAQ listing standards, and that Mr. Barge qualifies
as a designated financial expert based upon his business and professional experience as described previously in this proxy statement. The Audit Committee reviews the corporate accounting and financial reporting practices of the Company, including its disclosure and internal controls, and the quality and integrity of the financial reports of the Company, including a review of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Audit Committee also appoints the Company’s independent public registered accountants and pre-approves any non-audit services to be provided by them, as further described in this proxy statement under “Independent Registered Public Accountants.” The Audit Committee discusses with the Company’s internal auditors and independent registered public accountants the overall scope and plans for their respective audits and meets with both the internal auditors and the independent public registered accountants, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s disclosure and internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. The Company fully outsources its internal audit function to one of the big four accounting firms that does not serve as its independent registered public accountants, which functions as the Company’s internal audit team and reports directly to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee periodically reviews and approves all “related party transactions,” as defined in SEC regulations. The Audit Committee held four regular meetings and one special meeting during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024.
Human Resources and Compensation Committee. John L. Davies (Chairperson), Alix Guerrier, Kaya Henderson, Linda Li, and David J. Young are the current members of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (the “HRCC”). Mr. Guerrier and Ms. Henderson were appointed to the HRCC at the March 2024 meeting. Each member of the HRCC is independent, as defined under the current applicable NASDAQ listing standards, and also meets certain additional criteria so that the Company qualifies for available exemptions pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. For a description of the duties and responsibilities of this committee, see “Corporate Governance-HRCC Procedures” below. In addition to its human resources responsibilities, the HRCC Committee acts on behalf of the Board in its capacity as settlor of the trust underlying the Company’s 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and with respect to the powers enumerated therein, including the power to amend or terminate the 401(k) Plan. The HRCC Committee also oversees the Administrative Committee, comprised of Company employees who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the 401(k) Plan, and approves the appointment of one or more trustees, or other professionals, necessary for the proper administration and operation of the 401(k) Plan. The HRCC held five regular meetings during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024.
Nominating and Governance Committee. Andrés Alonso (Chairperson), James W. Barge, Robert Dumont, and Verdell Walker are the current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Each member of the Nominating and Governance Committee is independent, as defined under NASDAQ listing standards. The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies and recommends to the Board candidates for election as directors and recommends any changes it believes desirable in the size and composition of the Board as well as Board committee structure and membership. The Nominating and Governance Committee also administers Scholastic’s Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), reviews performance under, and compliance with, the Guidelines and the content of the Guidelines annually and, when appropriate, recommends updates and revisions of the Guidelines to the Board. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee oversees the Board
self-assessment process. The Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024.
Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee. David J. Young (Chairperson), Andrés Alonso, Linda Li, and Verdell Walker are the current members of the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee. The primary objectives of the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee are, as more fully described under “Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight” above, (i) to provide assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to monitoring the risk profile of the Company as it relates to the Company’s computer systems and software applications, including cybersecurity strategy, as well as the Company’s privacy, data retention and data protection policies, and reporting its observations to the full Board; (ii) to provide oversight and guidance in respect to the Company’s information databases and the uses of such data by the Company’s operating businesses in the business activities of the Company; and (iii) to provide guidance in respect to the Company’s product development process, including design and relevant technologies, with the objectives of enhancing the customer experience and driving customer satisfaction and the Company’s business success. Oversight and guidance in respect to the Company’s supply chain and production processes are also provided through the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to monitoring the risk profile of the Company as it relates to these operational risks. The Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024.
Corporate Governance
As part of the Company’s corporate governance practices, the Board has adopted the Guidelines, as amended, which are summarized below. The full text of the Guidelines is available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, investor.scholastic.com. Stockholders may also obtain a written copy of the Guidelines at no cost by writing to the Company, Attention Corporate Secretary, at Scholastic Corporation, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. In addition to the Guidelines, the Board believes that the Scholastic Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, described below, as well as the Committee charters, all of which have been approved by the Board, are vital to securing the confidence of the Company’s stockholders, customers, employees, governmental authorities and the investment community.
Independent Directors. The Guidelines require a majority of independent directors and provide for a board of nine to fifteen directors. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing with the Board annually the appropriate criteria and standards for determining director independence consistent with applicable legal requirements, including NASDAQ listing standards and the federal securities laws. The Board determined that all persons who served on the Board in fiscal 2024, other than Mr. Warwick and Ms. Lucchese, who are current executive officers of the Company, were independent, as defined in the NASDAQ listing standards.
Lead Independent Director. The Guidelines provide for a Lead Independent Director, and Mr. Barge was appointed by the non-employee directors of the Company (the “Outside Directors”) as the Lead Independent Director following the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders. As described in the Guidelines, the Lead Independent Director presides at executive sessions of
the Board involving only the independent directors and serves as the liaison between the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer and the independent directors (unless the matter under consideration is within the jurisdiction of one of the Board’s committees). Among other matters, the independent directors, meeting in executive session, consider items they would like included in future Board agendas, the flow of information to directors, relevant Board corporate governance matters and any other topics or issues which any of the independent directors desires to raise in executive session. The Lead Independent Director is responsible for advising each of the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of decisions reached or suggestions made at executive sessions. Mr. Barge receives an annual retainer of $25,000 for services performed as the Lead Independent Director.
Communication with the Board. Individuals may submit communications to the Board, or to the non-management directors individually or as a group, by sending the communications in writing to the attention of the Corporate Secretary of the Company at Scholastic Corporation, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. All communications that relate to matters that are within the scope of responsibilities of the Board and its committees will be forwarded to the appropriate directors by the Corporate Secretary.
Director Nomination Process. The Nominating and Governance Committee periodically reviews with the Board the requisite skills, competencies and characteristics of new directors, as well as the composition of the Board as a whole. The Nominating and Governance Committee makes an assessment of the suitability of candidates for election to the Board, taking into account diversity, independence, character, judgment and relevant business experience, as well as their appreciation of the Company’s mission, values and credo. In particular, the Board focuses on identifying the potential contribution any candidate can make to the diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies which it desires to have represented on the Board. Although there is no specific policy regarding diversity, the Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to achieve diversification in the qualifications of nominees, such as different types of business or academic experience or expertise in different industries, professions and geographic areas. Please refer to the Company’s current board diversity in the diversity matrix on page 47.
The Nominating and Governance Committee does not believe it is currently necessary or appropriate to adopt specific, minimum objective criteria for new director nominees. Stockholders may propose nominees for Board membership for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee by submitting the nominee’s name, biographical data and qualifications along with the consent of the proposed nominee to the Nominating and Governance Committee, Attention: Corporate Secretary at Scholastic Corporation, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider all director candidates properly submitted by stockholders in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines using the same criteria that it uses to select directors for non-stockholder nominees. The Nominating and Governance Committee also considers such other relevant factors as it deems appropriate, including the balance of independent and non-independent directors, the need for Audit Committee or other relevant expertise or to add particular competencies, and the qualifications of other potential nominees.
Use of Executive Search Firms. The Company has regularly retained the services of executive search firms to assist it in identifying possible candidates for nomination for election to the Board. The Company retained Korn Ferry to help the Company identify suitable candidates
for election as directors to fill the vacancies resulting from Ms. Williams’ decision not to stand for re-election at the 2022 Annual Meeting and the subsequent expansion of the number of directors on the board by the Class A Stockholders.
Policy regarding Age and Tenure. In July 2014, the Nominating and Governance Committee recommended to the Board and the Board approved amendments to the Corporate Governance Guidelines addressing director age and tenure. The amendments provide: (i) in the case of age, for a retirement age of 75 and that a director who has reached age 75 may not stand for re-election to the Board at the next annual meeting of stockholders following such director reaching age 75, subject to the right of the Board, in its discretion, to nominate or re-nominate a person who has attained age 75 for election if it believes that, under the circumstances, it is in the Company’s best interests, and (ii) in the case of tenure, while no term limits shall apply, a director’s tenure as a member of the Board of Directors, including continued assessment of the director’s independence, will be considered, among other factors, in connection with re-nomination.
Board Meetings and Executive Sessions. Directors are expected to expend sufficient time, energy and attention to assure diligent performance of their responsibilities. Directors are expected to attend meetings of the Board and the committees on which they serve, whether in person, either physically or through virtual meetings, or by telephone. Management provides all directors with an agenda and relevant written materials as available in advance of each meeting. To ensure active and effective participation, directors are expected to arrive at each Board and committee meeting having reviewed any materials provided in advance of the meeting. As previously discussed, the Board regularly meets in executive session with only the independent directors present, and Mr. Barge presides over those sessions as Lead Independent Director.
Director Attendance at Company Annual Meetings of Stockholders. Directors are encouraged to attend the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders. All of the directors attended the virtual 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Annual Self-Assessment. The Board generally makes an annual self-assessment of its performance with a particular focus on key metrics related to Board performance and overall effectiveness. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing the self-assessment process. The Board will complete and discuss the results of its annual self-assessment for fiscal 2024 at its December 2024 meeting.
Access to Management and Advisors. Directors have access to the Company’s management and, as necessary and appropriate, the Board and its committees may retain outside legal, financial or other advisors.
Investment Expectations of Directors. Directors have been encouraged to own Company stock in an amount that is appropriate for them, although the Company had not previously had any formal equity ownership requirements for members of the Board. During fiscal 2024, the Board considered and adopted, at its September 2023 Board meeting, formal stock ownership guidelines applicable to non-employee directors. The new Outside Director Stock Ownership Guidelines so adopted require each non-executive director (“Outside Director”) to own Common Stock of Scholastic equal in value to at least three (3) times the annual Board cash retainer (currently $95,000 annually), with a five-year phase-in period to meet such requirement after
becoming subject thereto. A Director who is also an executive officer of the Company is subject to the separate stock ownership guidelines applicable to senior management and not to these guidelines. For purposes of determining compliance with the Stock Ownership Guidelines, Common Stock includes all Common Stock and securities owned directly (including through open market purchases, vesting of restricted stock units or exercise of stock options); stock held by immediate family members residing in the same household or through trusts for the benefit of the person or his or her immediate family members; deferred, restricted or performance stock units or restricted shares awarded pursuant to any equity incentive plan applicable to Outside Directors, including any provisions thereof relating to tax-deferred stock units, whether or not vested; and the “in-the-money” value of vested stock option awards.
Scholastic Code of Ethics and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. The Company has implemented a Code of Ethics applicable to its employees and directors and a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. The Scholastic Code of Ethics operates as a tool to help Scholastic’s employees and directors understand and adhere to the high ethical standards required for employment by, or association with, the Company. The Scholastic Code of Ethics contains procedures for employees to report to the Audit Committee any concerns with regard to any questionable accounting, internal control or auditing matters. The Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers provides fundamental ethical principles to which the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller are expected to adhere. Both the Scholastic Code of Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, investor.scholastic.com. Additionally, these documents are available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy.
Insider Trading;Hedging Policy. The Company has a written insider trading policy. The Company has not, to date, adopted a specific stand-alone hedging policy. However, the Company’s insider trading policy contains prohibitions on certain types of hedging activities by employees, including prohibitions on short sales of the Company’s stock, as well as sales of uncovered call or put options and purchases of put options on the Company’s stock. The Company has no reason to believe that its directors and executive officers have been engaged in any hedging transactions in violation of such prohibitions, but it will continue to monitor securities transaction activities and may in the future adopt additional specific restrictions on hedging activities. The Company has on occasion permitted executives and directors to pledge shares of Common Stock in support of bona fide loans for legitimate purposes, including, as noted under “Share Ownership of Management” above, for Mr. Barge.
HRCC Procedures. Under its charter, the HRCC is required to meet at least three times per year. In practice the HRCC has been meeting on at least a quarterly basis to address compensation and workforce management matters, including reviewing regulatory developments that may impact the Company’s compensation arrangements and considering amendments or modifications to compensation and benefit plans. At its regular meeting in July of each year, the HRCC reviews the Company’s financial and operating results for the most recent fiscal year and determines whether the relevant performance criteria required for the payment to the Named Executive Officers of annual bonuses under the STIP, or from an established contingency pool thereunder, for such year have been satisfied and, if so, considers and approves the actual amounts of any such payouts. Also, at that meeting or its September meeting, the HRCC establishes performance criteria for annual bonuses to be awarded under the STIP or any successor plan or program for the current fiscal year. The HRCC customarily considers and
approves any changes in base salary of senior executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, at its regular meeting in July, with any changes becoming effective as determined at such meeting.
Under the Company’s current practice, equity-based compensation awards to senior management, including the Named Executive Officers, under the Company’s stock incentive plans are typically considered and made each year at the scheduled September meeting of the HRCC, which occurs shortly before the announcement of the Company’s earnings for its first fiscal quarter. Except in limited circumstances, other than in connection with grants being made to new hires, the HRCC does not generally grant equity awards to Named Executive Officers at other times during a given year and, in such cases, the grants would normally be made by the HRCC at one of its other regularly scheduled meetings. All equity awards are generally made at fair market value on the effective date of grant, which is no earlier than the date on which the HRCC approves the grant. Under the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan, fair market value is deemed to be the average of the high and low market prices of the Common Stock on the effective date of grant.
The HRCC annually reviews the performance of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and recommends his compensation for review and revision or approval by the Board. Please refer to page 19 for a description of the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Warwick, who became the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer on August 1, 2021. The compensation of the executive officers who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer is recommended by him to the HRCC, which reviews and revises or approves the recommendations as the HRCC deems appropriate. The forgoing practices are conducted with the assistance of the Company’s Human Resources Department and, as requested, input from the independent compensation consultant, Pay Governance LLC, retained by the HRCC.
The HRCC has the authority and discretion to retain such external compensation consultants as it deems appropriate. The HRCC looks to its consultants to periodically review and advise the HRCC regarding the adequacy and appropriateness of the Company’s overall executive compensation plans, programs and practices and, from time to time, to answer specific questions raised by the HRCC or management. Compensation decisions are made by, and are the responsibility of, the HRCC and the Board and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information and recommendations provided by the HRCC’s consultants.
As an annual practice, the HRCC reviews certain factors relative to the independence status of the Company’s compensation consultants, Pay Governance LLC. After such review, in fiscal 2024, the HRCC unanimously determined that Pay Governance LLC was independent. Pay Governance LLC performs no services for the Company other than to the HRCC in relation to compensation matters.
Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions. The Company does not generally engage in transactions in which its executive officers or directors, any of their immediate family members or any of its 5% stockholders have a material interest. The Scholastic Code of Ethics, which is posted on investor.scholastic.com, sets forth standards applicable to all employees, officers and directors of the Company and generally prohibits, unless disclosed and approved, transactions that could otherwise result in a conflict of interest. Any waiver of the Scholastic Code of Ethics for any executive officer or director of the Company requires the approval of the Audit Committee. Any such waiver would be disclosed on the Company’s website, investor.scholastic.com, and on a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. During fiscal 2024, the Company followed these established procedures in connection with the approval of a related party transaction between the Company and the Estate of the late Mr. Robinson, as discussed in more detail on page 38.
Director Compensation
For fiscal 2024, each Outside Director of the Company was entitled to receive a cash retainer of $95,000 for his or her services as a director, and each Committee chairperson was entitled to receive additional amounts for the chairperson’s duties at the rate of $15,000 in the case of each of the chairpersons of the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the HRCC and $20,000 for the chairperson of the Audit Committee, with the Lead Independent Director receiving $25,000 for his services performed in that role.
In addition, the Scholastic Corporation 2017 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated the “2017 Plan”) provides for annual equity awards to the Outside Directors on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The Board, at its July 2023 meeting, determined that, for fiscal 2024, the annual equity award for each Outside Director would have a value of $125,000, with 100% of such value to be awarded as restricted stock units. Pursuant to the 2017 Plan, the fair value of the restricted stock units was based upon the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on September 20, 2023, the date of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Pursuant to the terms of the 2017 Plan, the restricted stock units (and stock options when granted) vest on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the next annual meeting of stockholders following the date of grant. Accordingly, with regard to the grant of restricted stock units made on September 20, 2023, the entire grant vests on September 18, 2024. The Board, at its July 17, 2024 meeting, determined that, for fiscal 2025, the value of the equity grant would continue to be $125,000 and would continue to be awarded entirely as restricted stock units. Pursuant to the 2017 Plan, the fair value of the stock options previously awarded was determined based upon the Black-Scholes model of calculating the fair value of a stock option, including the use of an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of each grant.
The Board, at its September 2023 meeting, approved an amendment to the 2017 Plan to permit the Outside Directors to elect a tax deferral option in respect to restricted stock unit awards under the 2017 Plan pursuant to which an Outside Director can elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock underlying such awards in accordance with procedures established by the HRCC. Provided that the election is timely made in accordance with the applicable procedures, the deferral election will remain in effect and continue to apply to restricted stock unit awards to the Outside Director for subsequent years until the Outside
Director timely revokes or changes the deferral election. Once a deferred restricted stock unit has vested, dividends and other distributions on the underlying Common Stock will be credited to the account of the Outside Director during the period of the deferral. Common Stock in respect of all vested restricted stock units will be issued to the Outside Director, together with any dividends or other distributions credited to such Outside Director’s deferral account, within thirty days of such Outside Director’s cessation of service as a director. The Outside Directors that are current participants in the program include Mr. Barge, Mr. Dumont, Mr. Guerrier, and Mr. Young.
Under the terms of the Scholastic Corporation Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, directors are permitted to defer 50% or 100% of their cash retainers and other fees. Deferred amounts accrue interest at a rate equal to the 30-year United States Treasury bill rate, and are paid in cash upon the later of termination from Board service or the end of the deferral period, unless paid earlier due to death, disability, change-of-control of the Company or severe financial hardship. None of the Outside Directors currently participate in such plan.
The following table summarizes the total compensation provided by the Company to the Outside Directors for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024.
Fiscal Year 2024 |
Fees Earned |
Stock |
Option |
Change in Pension Values and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings |
All Other Compensation |
Total |
Andrés Alonso |
$107,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$232,499 |
James W. Barge |
$137,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$262,499 |
John L. Davies |
$107,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$232,499 |
Robert Dumont |
$92,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$217,499 |
Alix Guerrier |
$23,750 |
$74,991 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$98,741 |
Kaya Henderson |
$23,750 |
$74,991 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$98,741 |
Linda Li |
$92,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$217,499 |
Verdell Walker |
$92,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$217,499 |
David J. Young |
$107,500 |
$124,999 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$232,499 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) to be the independent registered public accountants of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025. A representative of EY will be present via the internet at the Annual Meeting and will be afforded the opportunity to make a statement. Such representative will also be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The total fees for services provided by EY to the Company during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2023 are summarized in the table below.
|
Fiscal 2024 |
|
Fiscal 2023 |
|
||
Audit Fees |
$ |
3,584,161 |
|
$ |
3,539,937 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
$ |
67,000 |
|
$ |
69,551 |
|
Tax Fees |
$ |
2,571,442 |
|
$ |
1,725,617 |
|
All Other Fees |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
TOTAL FEES |
$ |
6,222,603 |
|
$ |
5,335,106 |
|
Type of fee paid |
Work performed |
|
Audit Fees |
Fees related to: |
|
|
• |
the annual audit of the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting |
|
• |
quarterly financial statement reviews |
|
• |
statutory audits |
Audit-Related Fees |
Fees related to: |
|
|
• |
benefit plan audits |
Tax Fees |
Fees related to: |
|
|
• |
federal, state and international tax compliance |
|
• |
domestic and international tax consulting |
In fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, in accordance with Section 10A(i) of the Exchange Act, the Audit Committee approved the Audit Fees and also pre-approved all of the Audit-Related services and Tax services provided by EY. The Audit Committee’s non-audit services pre-approval policies require the receipt and analysis of a summary containing a description of the non-audit service proposed to be provided prior to commencement of the engagement. The Audit Committee then makes an evaluation as to whether the provision of the proposed non-audit service by EY will affect its independence and also considers the percentage of non-audit fees related to the total audit fees. If a non-audit service is required before the Audit Committee’s next scheduled meeting, the Audit Committee has delegated to its chair, currently Mr. Barge, the authority to approve such service on its behalf, provided that such action is reported to the Audit Committee at its next meeting.
AUDIT COMMITTEE’S REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 with the Company’s management. The Audit Committee has discussed with EY, the Company’s independent registered public accountants, the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) and the SEC.
The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from EY required by Rule 3526 of the PCAOB, and the Audit Committee has discussed the independence of EY with the firm.
Based on the Audit Committee’s review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee unanimously recommended to the Board (and the Board has approved) that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 for filing with the SEC.
Audit Committee |
|
James W. Barge, Chairperson |
John L. Davies |
Robert Dumont |
David Young |
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders who intend to present proposals for inclusion in the proxy materials regarding the 2025 Annual Meeting must ensure that such proposals are received by the Secretary of the Company not later than April 11, 2025 and that such proposals meet the other requirements contained in SEC Rule 14a-8. In order for a proposal submitted outside of Rule 14a-8 to be considered “timely” within the meaning of SEC Rule 14a-4(c) for consideration at the 2025 Annual Meeting, but not included in the Company’s proxy materials, such proposal must be received no later than June 25, 2025. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board at the 2025 Annual Meeting must be received by the Secretary of the Company no later than July 21, 2025.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board is not aware of any other matters to come before the Annual Meeting. If any other matter should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy intend to vote the proxy according to their best judgment.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew S. Hedden |
|
Secretary |
SCHOLASTIC SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION 557 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10012 SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 19, 2023 for shares held directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2023 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2023 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 19, 2023 for shares held directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2023 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717 TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. For All Withhold All For All Except To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1. Election of Directors Nominees 01) James W. Barge 02) John L. Davies NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date 0000618504_1 R1.0.0.6
SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION Proxy for Annual Meeting of Stockholders, September 18, 2024 (The Solicitation of This Proxy is Made on Behalf of the Board of Directors) The undersigned hereby appoints PETER WARWICK and IOLE LUCCHESE, or either of them, each with full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Scholastic Corporation to be held live via the internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2024 on September 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. E.D.T. THIS PROXY IS CONTINUED ON THE REVERSE SIDE PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND MAIL THIS PROXY TODAY
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Annual Report is/ are available at www.proxyvote.com . SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION Annual Meeting of Stockholders September 20, 2023 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The undersigned hereby appoints PETER WARWICK and IOLE LUCCHESE, or either of them, each with the full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Scholastic Corporation to be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2023, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and at any adjournment thereof, and to vote the shares of Common Stock the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present. This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. If you are a stockholder of record and no direction is given, this Proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. If all or a portion of the shares you are voting are a result of your being a participant in the Scholastic Corporation 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan, then you may instruct the plan Trustee how to vote all full and fractional shares attributable to the account invested in the Scholastic Corporation Stock Fund on July 27, 2023 by voting by September 17, 2023. Continued and to be signed on reverse side 0000618504_2 R1.0.0.6
Scholastic corporation proxy for annual meeting of stockholders, September 20, 2023 (the solicitation of this proxy is made on behalf of the board of directors) the undersigned hereby appoints Peter Warwick and Iole Lucchese, or either of them, each with full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the annual meet SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION CLASS A STOCK PROXY Annual Meeting of Stockholders, September 18, 2024 The undersigned hereby votes the above number of shares of Class A Stock of Scholastic Corporation as follows: 1. For the election of: Andrés Alonso, Robert Dumont, Kaya Henderson, Iole Lucchese, Linda Li, Verdell Walker, Peter Warwick and David J. Young. FOR:_________ WITHHOLD: ________ FOR ALL EXCEPT: _________ (Write the name(s) of the individual nominee(s) for whom authority to vote is withheld on the line below): ___________________________________________________________________ 2. In their discretion, the proxies will vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and as may properly be voted upon by the holders of Class A Stock. Date: ______________________________ Class A Stockholder No. of Shares: Please mark your vote as indicated in this example: X ing of stockholders of scholastic corporation to be held live via the internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/schl2023 on September 20, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. E.d.t. This proxy is continued on the reverse side please complete, date, sign and mail this proxy today
ority to vTHIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. 0 0 0 0000649264_1 R1.0.0.6 For Withhold For All All All Except The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: 1. Election of Directors Nominees 01) James W. Barge 02) John L. Davies 03) Alix Guerrier SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION 557 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10012 VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2024 for shares held directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 15, 2024 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2024 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2024 for shares held directly and by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 15, 2024 for shares held in a Plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. ote is withheld on the line below): 2. For an advisory vote, the approval of fiscal 2023 compensation awarded to named executive officers. For: against: abstain: 3. For, in an advisory vote, the frequency of holding an advisory vote regarding compensation awarded to names executive officers. One year two years three years abstain: 4. In their discretion, the proxies will vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and as may properly be voted upon by the holders of class a stock. Date: class a stockholder no. Of shares: please mark your vote as indicated in this example: x
0000649264_2 R1.0.0.6 Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Annual Report is/ are available at www.proxyvote.com . SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION Annual Meeting of Stockholders September 18, 2024 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time This proxy is solicited by the Board of Director The undersigned hereby appoints PETER WARWICK and IOLE LUCCHESE, or either of them, each with the full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Scholastic Corporation to be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SCHL2024, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and at any adjournment thereof, and to vote the shares of Common Stock the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present. This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. If you are a stockholder of record and no direction is given, this Proxy will be voted FOR the election of directors. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. If all or a portion of the shares you are voting are a result of your being a participant in the Scholastic Corporation 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan, then you may instruct the plan Trustee how to vote all full and fractional shares attributable to the account invested in the Scholastic Corporation Stock Fund on July 25, 2024 by voting by September 15, 2024. Continued and to be signed on reverse side