School Specialty (SCOO) 10-Q 2013 Q2 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File Number: 000-24385

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Wisconsin	39-0971239
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

W6316 Design Drive

Greenville, Wisconsin 54942

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

(920) 734-5712

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	x
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at December 6, 2012
Common Stock, $0.001 par value	19,178,949

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012

		Page Number
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 27, 2012, April 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011		1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 and for the Six Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011		2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 and for the Six Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011		3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011		4
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		5
ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION		22
ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK		29
ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES		29
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS		30
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS		30
ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS		30

-Index-

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

	October 27, 2012			April 28, 2012			October 29, 2011
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,577		$	484		$	4,141
Restricted cash		2,708			—			—
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,697, $2,072 and $2,309, respectively		119,275			62,826			127,722
Inventories		84,769			100,504			77,253
Deferred catalog costs		3,377			11,737			7,079
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		13,371			11,111			14,218
Refundable income taxes		3,520			3,570			—
Deferred taxes		4,797			4,797			1,700
Total current assets		237,394			195,029			232,113
Property, plant and equipment, net		50,836			57,491			59,962
Goodwill		41,093			41,263			127,990
Intangible assets, net		119,120			124,242			150,521
Development costs and other		35,807			35,206			35,054
Deferred taxes long-term		390			390			7,218
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate		9,882			9,900			20,515
Total assets	$	494,522		$	463,521		$	633,373
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities - long-term debt	$	10,833		$	955		$	43,272
Accounts payable		63,770			74,244			40,816
Accrued compensation		10,974			8,094			12,284
Deferred revenue		3,481			3,095			4,389
Accrued income taxes		—			—			13,122
Other accrued liabilities		20,423			18,932			29,223
Total current liabilities		109,481			105,320			143,106
Long-term debt - less current maturities		284,519			289,668			266,350
Other liabilities		587			587			688
Total liabilities		394,587			395,575			410,144
Commitments and contingencies - Note 13
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding		—			—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 24,599,159; 24,300,545 and 24,300,545 shares issued, respectively		24			24			24
Capital paid-in excess of par value		445,059			444,428			443,293
Treasury stock, at cost 5,420,210; 5,420,210 and 5,420,210 shares, respectively		(186,637	)		(186,637	)		(186,637	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		22,486			23,631			23,603
Accumulated deficit		(180,997	)		(213,500	)		(57,054	)
Total shareholders’ equity		99,935			67,946			223,229
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	494,522		$	463,521		$	633,373

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	For the Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Revenue	$	236,866		$	251,375	$	489,005		$	527,459
Cost of revenue		144,166			156,315		292,708			321,123
Gross profit		92,700			95,060		196,297			206,336
Selling, general and administrative expenses		67,364			73,405		142,480			153,181
Operating income		25,336			21,655		53,817			53,155
Other expense:
Impairment of long-term asset		1,414			—		1,414			—
Interest expense		9,315			6,867		19,281			14,779
Expense associated with convertible debt exchange		—			—		—			1,090
Income before provision for income taxes		14,607			14,788		33,122			37,286
Provision for income taxes		343			6,044		602			14,972
Income before investment in unconsolidated affiliate		14,264			8,744		32,520			22,314
Equity in income/(losses) of investment in unconsolidated affiliate		(137	)		135		(18	)		115
Net income	$	14,127		$	8,879	$	32,502		$	22,429
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		18,930			18,880		18,915			18,877
Diluted		18,946			19,020		18,926			18,972
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.75		$	0.47	$	1.72		$	1.19
Diluted	$	0.75		$	0.47	$	1.72		$	1.18

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands)

	For the Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Net income	$	14,127	$	8,879		$	32,502		$	22,429
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		178		(2,215	)		(1,145	)		(2,787	)
Total comprehensive income	$	14,305	$	6,664		$	31,357		$	19,642

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands)

	For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	32,502		$	22,429
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and intangible asset amortization expense		13,985			14,536
Amortization of development costs		3,994			3,959
Amortization of debt fees and other		3,779			1,751
Impairment of long-term asset		1,414			—
Equity in losses/(income) of investment in unconsolidated affiliate		18			(115	)
Share-based compensation expense		723			1,181
Deferred taxes		—			(4,246	)
Expense associated with convertible debt exchange		—			1,090
Non-cash convertible debt interest expense		4,497			5,005
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable		(56,356	)		(61,162	)
Inventories		15,737			34,000
Deferred catalog costs		8,008			9,560
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(2,212	)		295
Accounts payable		(11,001	)		(45,089	)
Accrued liabilities		4,446			10,101
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities		19,534			(6,705	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(2,460	)		(3,667	)
Change in restricted cash		(2,708	)		—
Investment in product development costs		(3,182	)		(3,816	)
Proceeds from note receivable		3,000			—
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,350	)		(7,483	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bank borrowings		819,753			300,600
Repayment of debt and capital leases		(819,591	)		(290,429	)
Payment of debt fees and other		(9,253	)		(1,663	)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities		(9,091	)		8,508
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		5,093			(5,680	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		484			9,821
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	5,577		$	4,141
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	11,045		$	7,065
Income taxes paid	$	653		$	16,075

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which are normal and recurring in nature unless otherwise noted) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The balance sheet at April 28, 2012 has been derived from School Specialty, Inc.’s (“School Specialty” or the “Company”) audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012.

As described in Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is required to comply with financial covenants specified in its debt agreements. These covenants are measured based upon the Company’s results of operations, financial position and liquidity. Although the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants during each of the first six months of fiscal 2013, the recent challenges affecting the Company’s performance have placed, and are expected to continue to place in the near term, pressures on the Company’s ability to maintain acceptable levels of liquidity and to remain in compliance with its financial covenants.

The Company continues to pursue a number of activities to address these matters. The Company’s priorities include improving earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and closely managing and improving working capital. During the six months ended October 27, 2012, the Company executed upon restructuring activities to control costs as more fully described in Note 10 – Restructuring. The Company also closely managed working capital, including trade payables, by working with its vendor base on maintaining favorable payment terms. In addition to these initiatives, the Company continues to focus on longer-term turnaround strategies, such as integrating marketing initiatives through a restructuring of product marketing support and branding, implementation of a revised sales organizational structure and processes and product management.

The Company closely evaluates its expected ability remain in compliance with the financial covenants under its debt agreements. The Company, working with its advisors, is pursuing alternatives to improve its liquidity. If the Company fails to improve its liquidity and maintain compliance with these financial covenants and fails to obtain amendments to or waivers under these credit agreements, the Company’s lenders could pursue remedies, which could include an acceleration of the Company’s debt. Should such acceleration occur, the Company may have difficulty obtaining sufficient additional funds to refinance the accelerated debt.

NOTE 2 – INCOME TAXES

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S., various U.S. states, and foreign jurisdictions. The most significant tax return the Company files is with the U.S. The Company’s tax returns are no longer subject to examination by the U.S. for fiscal years before 2011. The Company has various state tax audits and appeals in process at any given time. It is not anticipated that any adjustments resulting from tax examinations or appeals would result in a material change to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that either all, or some portion, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization is dependent upon the future generation of taxable income, reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and expiration of tax attribute carryovers. As a result, the Company concluded that the realization of a majority of the deferred tax assets no longer met the more likely than not threshold. Therefore, a tax valuation allowance of $32,638 was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 against a majority of the net deferred tax assets. As of October 27, 2012, the Company has no unremitted earnings from foreign investments for which taxes have not been paid.

The balance of the Company’s liability for unrecognized income tax benefits, net of federal tax benefits, at October 27, 2012, April 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, was $587, $587 and $688, respectively, all of which would have an impact on the effective tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect any material changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. The Company classifies accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in its consolidated statements of operations. The amounts of accrued interest and penalties included in the liability for uncertain tax positions are not material.

5

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 3 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Changes in condensed consolidated shareholders’ equity during the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 were as follows:

Shareholders’ equity balance at April 28, 2012	$	67,946
Net income		32,502
Share-based compensation expense		723
Tax deficiency on option exercises		(91	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,145	)
Shareholders’ equity balance at October 27, 2012	$	99,935
Shareholders’ equity balance at April 30, 2011	$	201,629
Net income		22,429
Share-based compensation expense		1,181
Tax deficiency on option exercises		(29	)
Exchange of convertible debt		806
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(2,787	)
Shareholders’ equity balance at October 29, 2011	$	223,229

NOTE 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings Per Share

The following information presents the Company’s computations of basic earnings per share (“Basic EPS”) and diluted earnings per share (“Diluted EPS”) for the periods presented in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Three months ended October 27, 2012:
Basic EPS	$	14,127		18,930	$	0.75
Effect of non-vested stock units		—		16
Diluted EPS	$	14,127		18,946	$	0.75
Three months ended October 29, 2011:
Basic EPS	$	8,879		18,880	$	0.47
Effect of non-vested stock units		—		140
Diluted EPS	$	8,879		19,020	$	0.47

6

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
Six months ended October 27, 2012:
Basic EPS	$	32,502		18,915	$	1.72
Effect of non-vested stock units		—		11
Diluted EPS	$	32,502		18,926	$	1.72
Six months ended October 29, 2011:
Basic EPS	$	22,429		18,877	$	1.19
Effect of non-vested stock units		—		95
Diluted EPS	$	22,429		18,972	$	1.18

The Company had additional stock options outstanding of 2,331 and 2,256 during the three and six months ended October 27, 2012, respectively, that were not included in the computation of Diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. The Company had additional stock options outstanding of 1,923 and 1,806 during the three and six months ended October 29, 2011, that were not included in the computation of Diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive.

The $157,500, 3.75% convertible subordinated debentures had no impact on the Company’s denominator for computing diluted EPS because conditions under which the debentures may be converted have not been satisfied. See Note 9.

NOTE 5 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE

Employee Stock Plans

The Company has three share-based employee compensation plans under which awards were outstanding as of October 27, 2012: the School Specialty, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1998 Plan”), the School Specialty, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”), and the School Specialty, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). All plans have been approved by the Company’s shareholders. The purpose of the 1998 Plan, the 2002 Plan and the 2008 Plan is to provide directors, officers, key employees and consultants with additional incentives by increasing their ownership interests in the Company. No new grants may be made under the 1998 Plan, which expired on June 8, 2008 or under the 2002 Plan, which expired on June 11, 2012. Under the 2008 Plan, the maximum number of equity awards available for grant is 2,000 shares.

A summary of option activity during the six months ended October 27, 2012 follows:

	Options Outstanding					Options Exercisable
	Options			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Balance at April 28, 2012		2,356		$	19.18		1,009	$	32.20
Granted		463			2.85
Exercised		—			—
Canceled		(186	)		30.11
Balance at October 27, 2012		2,633		$	15.54		1,085	$	28.74

7

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

The following table details supplemental information regarding stock options outstanding at October 27, 2012:

	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Instrinsic Value
Options outstanding		7.39	$	—
Options vested and expected to vest		7.31		—
Options exercisable		4.91		—

	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Shares Underlying Options		Weighted- Average Life (Years)		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Shares Underlying Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
$2.26 - $3.29		829		9.49	$	2.64		25	$	2.26
$3.30 - $13.78		687		9.03		8.77		88		13.78
$13.79 - $31.58		618		5.73		22.54		473		23.51
$31.59 - $39.71		499		3.72		37.64		499		37.64
		2,633		7.39	$	15.54		1,085	$	28.74

Options are generally exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant in cumulative yearly amounts of twenty-five percent of the shares granted and generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Options granted to directors and non-employee officers of the Company vest over a three year period, twenty percent after the first year, fifty percent (cumulative) after the second year and one hundred percent (cumulative) after the third year. Prior to fiscal 2009, the Company issued new shares of common stock to settle shares due upon option exercise. In fiscal 2009, the Company’s option plans were amended to allow for the net settlement of the exercise price and related employee tax withholding liabilities for non-qualified stock option exercises. For the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, no shares were issued upon the exercise of stock options.

Option information provided in the tables in this Note includes shares subject to inducement options granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Marketing Officer in connection with the commencement of their respective employment with the Company. While these inducement options have a time-based vesting element, the exercisability of a portion of these options was subject to either a minimum stock purchase requirement and/or a minimum price per share threshold.

The Company also uses a combination of Non-Vested Stock Units (NSUs) and restricted shares. The following table presents the amounts granted in the three and six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 for these types of awards:

	For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012				10/29/2011				October 27, 2012				10/29/2011
	# of shares awarded		Approximate fair value		# of shares awarded		Approximate fair value		# of shares awarded		Approximate fair value		# of shares awarded		Approximate fair value
Director NSUs		—	$	—		—	$	—		46	$	131		14	$	194
Performance-based NSUs		—	$	—		—	$	—		—	$	—		—	$	—
Restricted shares		28	$	77		—	$	—		43	$	120		—	$	—

In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company awarded 28 shares of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to a key senior executive. The RSUs will vest ratably over a three year period. The approximate fair value of the grant in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 was $77. In the first six month of fiscal 2013, the Company awarded 43 RSU shares to a key senior executive and other members of management. The RSUs will vest ratably over a three year period. The approximate fair value of the grant in the first six months of fiscal 2013 was $120. There were no RSUs granted in the first six months of fiscal 2012.

8

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Director NSU awards vest one year from the date of grant and the Company recognizes share-based compensation expense related to these time-based NSU awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The restricted shares in the above table were granted to Company employees and vest over a three year period, 33% after the first year, 66% (cumulative) after the second year and 100% (cumulative) after the third year. Performance-based NSUs, while none have been granted in the first six months of either fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012, have been granted in prior years to Company management. Performance-based NSUs vest at the end of a three-year cycle and result in an issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock if targeted metrics are achieved at a threshold level or above. Performance-based NSUs will be settled in shares of Company common stock with actual shares issued ranging from 80% of the targeted number of shares if performance is at the threshold level up to 200% of the target number of shares if performance is at or above the maximum level. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for performance-based NSUs on a straight line over the vesting period adjusted for changes in the expected level of performance.

The following table presents the share-based compensation expense/ (income) recognized during the three and six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011:

	For the Three Months Ended								For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012				October 29, 2011				October 27, 2012				October 29, 2011
	Gross		Net of Tax		Gross		Net of Tax		Gross		Net of Tax		Gross		Net of Tax
Stock Options	$	446	$	273	$	438	$	268	$	553	$	338	$	701	$	430
Management NSUs		—		—		87		53		—		—		172		105
Director NSUs		33		20		48		29		76		47		101		62
Management RSUs		124		76		91		56		94		58		207		126
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	603			$	664			$	723			$	1,181

The stock-based compensation expense is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The income tax benefit recognized related to share-based compensation expense was $234 and $258 for the three months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively, and was $280 and $458 for the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively. The Company recognized share-based compensation expense ratably over the vesting period of each award along with cumulative adjustments for changes in the expected level of attainment for performance-based awards.

The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense as of October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 was as follows:

	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Stock Options, net of estimated forfeitures	$	3,067	$	3,740
NSUs	$	83	$	297
RSUs	$	1,258	$	1,235

The Company expects to recognize this expense over a weighted average period of approximately 2.57 years.

9

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three months ended October 27, 2012 was $1.25. There were no options granted during the three months ended October 29, 2011. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 was $1.27 and $5.04, respectively. The fair value of options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes single option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Average-risk free interest rate		0.93	%		2.11	%
Expected volatility		48.31	%		35.96	%
Expected term		5.5 years			5.5 years

	For the Three Months Ended					For the Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Cash received from stock option exercises	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Income tax deficiency from stock option/NSU activity	$	—	$	(1	)	$	(91	)	$	(29	)

10

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 6 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following tables present details of the Company’s intangible assets, excluding goodwill:

October 27, 2012	Gross Value		Accumulated Amortization				Net Book Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships (10 to 17 years)	$	36,804	$	(24,089	)		$	12,715
Publishing rights (15 to 25 years)		113,260		(37,213	)			76,047
Non-compete agreements (5 to 10 years)		150		(125	)			25
Tradenames and trademarks (10 to 30 years)		3,504		(1,328	)			2,176
Order backlog and other (less than 1 to 13 years)		1,766		(1,186	)			580
License agreement (10 years)		14,506		(6,039	)			8,467
Total amortizable intangible assets		169,990		(69,980	)			100,010
Non-amortizable intangible assets:
Tradenames and trademarks		19,110		—				19,110
Total non-amortizable intangible assets		19,110		—				19,110
Total intangible assets	$	189,100	$	(69,980	)		$	119,120
April 28, 2012	Gross Value		Accumulated Amortization				Net Book Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships (10 to 17 years)	$	36,905	$	(22,984	)		$	13,921
Publishing rights (15 to 25 years)		113,260		(34,408	)			78,852
Non-compete agreements (3.5 to 10 years)		5,480		(5,300	)			180
Tradenames and trademarks (10 to 30 years)		3,504		(1,232	)			2,272
Order backlog and other (less than 1 to 13 years)		1,766		(1,133	)			633
Perpetual license agreements (10 years)		14,506		(5,232	)			9,274
						��
Total amortizable intangible assets		175,421		(70,289	)			105,132
Non-amortizable intangible assets:
Tradenames and trademarks		19,110		—				19,110
Total non-amortizable intangible assets		19,110		—				19,110
Total intangible assets	$	194,531	$	(70,289	)		$	124,242

11

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

October 29, 2011	Gross Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Book Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships (10 to 17 years)	$	36,875	$	(21,766	)	$	15,109
Publishing rights (15 to 25 years)		113,260		(31,603	)		81,657
Non-compete agreements (3.5 to 10 years)		5,481		(5,071	)		410
Tradenames and trademarks (10 to 30 years)		3,504		(1,137	)		2,367
Order backlog and other (less than 1 to 13 years)		2,284		(1,568	)		716
License agreement (10 years)		14,506		(4,364	)		10,142
Total amortizable intangible assets		175,910		(65,509	)		110,401
Non-amortizable intangible assets:
Tradenames and trademarks		40,120		—			40,120
Total non-amortizable intangible assets		40,120		—			40,120
Total intangible assets	$	216,030	$	(65,509	)	$	150,521

Intangible amortization expense included in selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 was $2,516 and $2,652, respectively, and $5,105 and $5,311 for the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively.

Intangible amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and the remainder of fiscal 2013 is estimated to be:

Fiscal 2013 (six months remaining)	$	4,979
Fiscal 2014		9,665
Fiscal 2015		9,448
Fiscal 2016		9,257
Fiscal 2017		8,503
Fiscal 2018		6,582

12

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

The following information presents changes to goodwill during the period beginning October 29, 2011 through October 27, 2012:

	Reporting Units									Reporting Units
	Education Resources			Califone			Educational Resources Segment			Science			Planning and Student Development			Reading			Health		Accelerated Learning Segment			Total
Balance at October 29, 2011
Goodwill	$	249,695		$	14,852			264,547		$	75,652		$	181,507		$	17,474		$	—		274,633			539,180
Accumulated impairment losses	$	(249,695	)	$	—			(249,695	)	$	(55,372	)	$	(106,123	)	$	—		$	—		(161,495	)		(411,190	)
Balance at October 29, 2011	$	—		$	14,852		$	14,852		$	20,280		$	75,384		$	17,474		$	—	$	113,138		$	127,990
Fiscal 2012 Activity:
Currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			(237	)		—			—		(237	)		(237	)
Balance at April 28, 2012
Goodwill	$	249,695		$	14,852			264,547		$	75,652		$	182,907		$	17,474		$	—		276,033			540,580
Accumulated impairment losses	$	(249,695	)	$	(10,959	)		(260,654	)	$	(75,652	)	$	(155,239	)	$	(7,772	)	$	—		(238,663	)		(499,317	)
Balance at April 28, 2012	$	—		$	3,893		$	3,893		$	—		$	27,668		$	9,702		$	—	$	37,370		$	41,263
Fiscal 2013 Activity:
Currency translation adjustment		—			—			—			—			(170	)		—			—		(170	)		(170	)
Balance at October 27, 2012
Goodwill	$	249,695		$	14,852			264,547		$	75,652		$	182,737		$	17,474		$	—		275,863			540,410
Accumulated impairment losses	$	(249,695	)	$	(10,959	)		(260,654	)	$	(75,652	)	$	(155,239	)	$	(7,772	)	$	—		(238,663	)		(499,317	)
Balance at October 27, 2012	$	—		$	3,893		$	3,893		$	—		$	27,498		$	9,702		$	—	$	37,200		$	41,093

In accordance with the accounting guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, the Company performs its impairment test of goodwill at the reporting unit level and indefinite-lived intangible assets at the unit of account level during the first quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of its reporting units below their carrying values.

A reporting unit is the level at which goodwill impairment is tested and can be an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, also known as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available for segment management to regularly review the operating results of that component. The Educational Resources segment consists of the Education Resources and Califone reporting units. The Accelerated Learning segment consists of the Science, Planning and Student Development, Reading, and Health reporting units. The goodwill for each reporting unit is shown in the table above.

Goodwill impairment is assessed under a two-step method. In the first step, the Company determined the fair value of the reporting unit, generally by utilizing a combination of the income approach (weighted 90%) and the market approach (weighted 10%) derived from comparable public companies. The Company believes that each approach has its merits. However, in the instances where the Company has utilized both approaches, the Company has weighted the income approach more heavily than the market approach because the Company believes that management’s assumptions generally provide greater insight into the reporting unit’s fair value. This fair value determination was categorized as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. The estimated fair value of the reporting units is dependent on several significant assumptions, including earnings projections and discount rates.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company performed its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test. As of the end of the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company reviewed both its current market capitalization and future cash flow projections and concluded no evidence of impairment existed in either goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

13

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

In performing the impairment assessment, the Company estimated the fair value of its reporting units using the following valuation methods and assumptions:

1. Income Approach (discounted cash flow analysis)– the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) valuation method requires an estimation of future cash flows of a reporting unit and then discounting those cash flows to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. The discount rate selected should reflect the risks inherent in the projected cash flows. The key inputs and assumptions of the DCF method are the projected cash flows, the terminal value of the reporting units and the discount rate. The growth rates used for the terminal value calculations and the discount rates of the respective reporting units were as follows:

	April 29, 2012						May 1, 2011
	Terminal Value Growth Rates			Discount Rate			Terminal Value Growth Rates			Discount Rate
Education Resources		2.0	%		17.7	%		2.0	%		12.4	%
Califone		2.0	%		16.6	%		2.0	%		11.2	%
Science		2.4	%		14.1	%		6.0	%		13.8	%
Planning and Student Development		3.0	%		16.5	%		3.0	%		13.8	%
Reading		2.0	%		17.7	%		2.0	%		14.7	%
Health		2.0	%		16.5	%		2.0	%		13.8	%

2. Market Approach (market multiples) – this method begins with the identification of a group of peer companies in the same or similar industries as the company reporting unit being valued. A valuation average multiple is then computed for the peer group based upon a valuation metric. The Company selected a ratio of enterprise value to projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and a ratio of enterprise value to projected revenue as appropriate valuation metrics. These two metrics were evenly weighted for the Education Resources, Reading, and Planning and Student Development reporting units. Various operating performance measurements of the reporting unit being valued are then benchmarked against the peer group and a discount rate or premium is applied to reflect favorable or unfavorable comparisons. The resulting multiple is then applied to the reporting unit being valued to arrive at an estimate of its fair value. A control premium is then applied to the equity value. The Company selected seven companies that were deemed relevant to the Planning and Student Development and Reading reporting units and five companies that were deemed relevant to the Education Resources and Califone reporting units under the guideline public company method to provide an indication of value. A control premium was then applied to the enterprise value of the reporting unit. The control premium was established based on a review of transactions over an 18 month period. The resulting multiples and control premiums were as follows:

April 29, 2012

May 1, 2011

EBITDA Multiples

Revenue Multiples

Control Premium

EBITDA Multiples

Revenue Multiples

Control Premium

Education Resources

4.2x

N/A

13.5

%

8.5x

0.4x

12.4

%

Califone

3.9x

N/A

13.5

%

6.5x

N/A

12.4

%

Reading

5.8x

1.2x

15.3

%

7.1x

2.2x

17.4

%

Planning and Student Development

4.6x

0.8x

15.3

%

6.4x

1.5x

17.4

%

The Company did not use the market approach for the Science reporting unit because of the variability in revenue due to the curriculum adoption schedule. The Company did not use the market approach for the Health reporting unit because of that reporting unit’s lack of financial history.

14

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 7 – INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate is accounted for under the equity method, and consisted of the following:

	Percent- Owned			October 27, 2012		April 28, 2012		October 29, 2011
Carson- Dellosa Publishing, LLC		35	%	$	9,882	$	9,900	$	20,515

The Company holds a 35% interest, accounted for under the equity method, in Carson-Dellosa Publishing. The Company recorded pre-tax income (loss) for its 35% minority equity interest in Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC in the following amounts: $(137) and $(18) for the three and six months ended October 27, 2012 and $135 and $115 for the three and six months ended October 29, 2011, respectively.

The investment amount represents the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company’s ownership interest. Income and (losses) are reflected in “Equity in income/ (losses) of investment in unconsolidated affiliate” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

NOTE 8 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

	October 27, 2012			April 28, 2012			October 29, 2011
Land	$	158		$	158		$	158
Projects in progress		8,195			8,789			5,774
Buildings and leasehold improvements		29,907			29,863			29,935
Furniture, fixtures and other		104,404			101,882			98,317
Machinery and warehouse equipment		39,495			39,337			39,474
Total property, plant and equipment		182,159			180,028			173,658
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(131,323	)		(122,537	)		(113,696	)
Net property, plant and equipment	$	50,836		$	57,491		$	59,962

Depreciation expense for the three months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 was $4,453 and $4,666, respectively, and $8,880 and $9,225 for the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively.

15

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 9 – DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	October 27, 2012			April 28, 2012			October 29, 2011
Credit Agreement, maturing in 2014	$	—		$	121,125		$	101,600
Asset-Based Credit Agreement, maturing in 2014		54,809			—			—
Term Loan Credit Agreement, maturing in 2014		67,000			—			—
3.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2026, issued 2006, net of unamortized discount		—			—			42,335
3.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2026, issued 2011, net of unamortized discount		161,358			156,859			152,565
Sale-leaseback obligations, effective rate of 8.97%, expiring in 2020		12,185			12,639			13,122
Total debt		295,352			290,623			309,622
Less: Current maturities		(10,833	)		(955	)		(43,272	)
Total long-term debt	$	284,519		$	289,668		$	266,350

Credit Agreement

On May 22, 2012, the Company entered into an Asset-Based Credit Agreement (the “Asset-Based Credit Agreement”). Under the Asset-Based Credit Agreement, the Asset-Based Lenders agreed to provide a revolving senior secured asset-based credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000.

The ABL Facility will mature on September 30, 2014, but may be extended to October 31, 2015 if the Company’s indebtedness under its convertible subordinated debentures has been refinanced. Advances under the ABL Facility may be prepaid by the Company in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium. The Company will be required to make specified prepayments upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (1) the amount outstanding on the ABL Facility exceeding the Borrowing Base (as defined in the Asset-Based Credit Agreement); (2) the Company’s receipt of net cash proceeds of any sale or disposition of assets that are first priority collateral for the ABL Facility; (3) the Company’s receipt of Extraordinary Receipts that would constitute collateral for the ABL Facility; (4) the incurrence by the Company of any indebtedness that is not Permitted Indebtedness; (as defined in the Asset-Based Credit Agreement); (5) the Company’s issuance of certain equity interests; (6) the receipt by the Company of any proceeds of business interruption insurance; and (7) the Company’s receipt of cash proceeds in connection with certain asset sales.

The ABL Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Company and the guarantor subsidiaries. Under an intercreditor agreement between the lenders under the ABL Facility and the Term Loan lenders, as described below, the Asset-Based Lenders have a first priority security interest in substantially all working capital assets of the Company and the guarantor subsidiaries, and a second priority security interest in all other assets, subordinate only to the first priority security interest of the Term Loan lenders in such other assets.

The Asset-Based Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and financial, affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants relating to the Company’s (1) minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, (2) maximum secured leverage ratio, (3) maximum total leverage ratio, (4) maximum term loan ratio and (5) minimum interest coverage ratio. In addition, the Asset-Based Credit Agreement contains a minimum liquidity covenant requiring the Company to maintain minimum liquidity levels at the end of each month during the life of the Term Loan (consisting of Qualified Cash, subject to a $2,000 cap, plus availability under the ABL Facility). The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants during each of the first six months of fiscal 2013.

Outstanding amounts under the ABL Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s election: (1) a base rate (equal to the greatest of (a) the prime lending rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, and (c) the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 1.00% per annum) (the “Base Rate”) plus an applicable margin (equal to a specified margin based on the interest

16

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

rate elected by the Company, the excess availability under the ABL Facility and the applicable point in the life of the ABL Facility) (the “Applicable Margin”), or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the Applicable Margin (the “LIBOR Rate”). Interest on loans under the ABL Facility bearing interest based upon the Base Rate will be due monthly in arrears, and interest on loans bearing interest based upon the LIBOR Rate will be due on the last day of each relevant interest period. The effective interest rate under the ABL Facility for the first six months of fiscal 2013 was 4.65%, which includes amortization of loan origination fees of $544 and commitment fees on unborrowed funds of $182. As of October 27, 2012, the outstanding balance on the ABL Facility was $54,809, of which $9,809 was reflected as currently maturing, short-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets while the remainder was reflected as long-term debt.

Term Loan

On May 22, 2012, the Company entered into a term loan credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”). Under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Term Loan lender agreed to make a term loan (the “Term Loan”) to the Company in aggregate principal amount of $70,000.

The Term Loan matures on October 31, 2014, but may be extended to December 31, 2015 if the Company’s indebtedness under its convertible subordinated debentures has been refinanced. The Term Loan Credit Agreement requires prepayments at specified levels upon the Company’s receipt of net proceeds from certain events, including: (1) certain dispositions of property, divisions, business units or business lines, including any Permitted Divestiture (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement); (2) issuances of debt for the refinancing of the Term Loan; (3) other issuances of debt other than Permitted Debt (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement); (4) issuances of certain equity interests (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement); (5) the Company’s receipt of certain Extraordinary Receipts; and (6) any insurance proceeds in respect of business interruption insurance or loss or destruction of collateral property. The Company is also permitted to voluntarily prepay the Term Loan in whole or in part. Any prepayments are to be made at par, plus an early payment fee calculated in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

The Term Loan is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Company and the guarantor subsidiaries. Under an intercreditor agreement between the lenders under the ABL Facility and the Term Loan lender, the Term Loan lender has a second priority security interest in substantially all working capital assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, subordinate only to the first priority security interest of the lenders under the ABL Facility in such assets, and a first priority security interest in all other assets.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and financial, affirmative and negative covenants, including quarterly financial covenants relating to the Company’s (1) maximum secured leverage ratio, (2) maximum total leverage ratio, (3) maximum term loan ratio, (4) minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and (5) minimum interest coverage ratio. In addition, the Term Loan Credit Agreement contains a minimum liquidity covenant requiring the Company to maintain minimum liquidity levels at the end of each month during the life of the Term Loan (consisting of Unrestricted Cash plus availability under the ABL Facility). The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants during each of the first six months of fiscal 2013.

The outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable LIBOR rate (calculated as the greater of (1) the current three-month LIBOR rate and (2) 1.5%) plus 11.0%, accruing and paid on a quarterly basis in arrears. The effective interest rate under the term loan credit facility for the first six months of fiscal 2013 was 14.5%, which includes amortization of loan origination fees of $622. During the second quarter, the term loan was reduced by $3 million and as of October 27, 2012, the outstanding balance on the term loan credit agreement of $67,000 was reflected as non-currently maturing, long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Former Credit Agreement

The Company entered into its former revolving credit facility (“Credit Agreement”) on April 23, 2010 and was subsequently amended in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The Credit Agreement provided borrowing capacity of $242,500. This capacity consisted of a revolving loan of $200,000 and a delayed draw term loan of up to $42,500, which was used to refinance a portion of the Company’s convertible notes. Interest accrued at a rate of, at the

17

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Company’s option, either a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of up to 4.50%, or the lender’s base rate plus an applicable margin of up to 3.50%. The Company also paid a commitment fee on the revolving loan and delayed draw term loan of 0.50% on unborrowed funds. The Credit Agreement was secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and contained certain financial covenants, including a consolidated total and senior leverage ratio, a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and a limitation on consolidated capital expenditures. The effective interest rate under the Credit Agreement for the first six months of fiscal 2013, until the date of its termination, was 7.39%, which included amortization of loan origination fees of $84 and commitment fees on unborrowed funds of $34.

The Company used a portion of the proceeds of the ABL Facility and the Term Loan to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement.

Convertible Notes

Accounting standards require the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the market interest rate at debt issuance without the conversion feature. The Company had two convertible debt instruments outstanding during fiscal 2013 and had three convertible debt instruments outstanding during portions of fiscal 2012. A fair value must be assigned to the equity conversion options of (1) the Company’s $200,000 convertible subordinated debentures due 2026 (“the 2006 Debentures”), which were issued November 22, 2006 of which $42,500 in aggregate principal amount was repaid in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and the balance of which was exchanged for the 2011 Debentures described in the following clauses (2) and (3); (2) the Company’s $100,000 convertible subordinated debentures (“the 2011 Debentures”), which were issued on March 1, 2011 of which $100,000 in aggregate original principal amount was outstanding as of October 27, 2012; and (3) the additional $57,500 of the 2011 Debentures, which were issued on July 7, 2011, of which $57,500 in aggregate original principal amount was outstanding as of October 27, 2012 (collectively, the “Convertible Notes”). The value assigned to the equity conversion option results in a corresponding decrease in the value assigned to the carrying value of the debt portion of the instruments.

The values assigned to the debt portions of the Convertible Notes were determined based on market interest rates for similar debt instruments without the conversion feature as of the respective November 22, 2006, March 1, 2011 and July 7, 2011 issuance dates of the Convertible Notes. The difference in market interest rates versus the coupon rates on the Convertible Notes results in non-cash interest that is amortized into interest expense over the expected terms of the Convertible Notes. For purposes of the valuation, the Company used an expected term of five years for the Convertible Notes issued on November 22, 2006 and an expected term of approximately four years for both the Convertible Notes issued March 1, 2011 and July 7, 2011, which corresponds with the first date the holders of the respective Convertible Notes could put their Convertible Notes back to the Company.

The 2006 Debentures were unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company, paid interest at 3.75% per annum on each May 30th and November 30th, and were convertible upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The debentures were redeemable at the Company’s option on or after November 30, 2011. No debentures were converted into shares of common stock.

On November 30, 2011, the holders of the 2006 Debentures presented to the Company for redemption $42,400 of the $42,500 2006 Debentures outstanding. The Company satisfied the $42,400 repayment in cash by borrowing on its former Credit Agreement. The remaining outstanding amount of $100 was called by the Company during the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

On March 1, 2011 and July 7, 2011, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements under which it retired $100,000 and $57,500, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding 2006 Debentures in exchange for the issuance of $100,000 and $57,500, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the 2011 Debentures. The 2011 Debentures pay interest semi-annually at a rate of 3.75% per year in respect of each $1 original principal amount of 2011 Debentures (the “Original Principal Amount”) on each May 30th and November 30th, and the principal accretes on the principal amount of the 2011 Debentures (including the Original Principal Amount) at a rate of 3.9755% per year,

18

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

compounding on a semi-annual basis (such principal amount, including any accretions thereon, the “Accreted Principal Amount”). The 2011 Debentures are convertible, upon satisfaction of certain conditions set forth below. In connection with any such conversion, the Company will be required to deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate accreted principal amount of the debentures to be converted or the Company’s total conversion obligation, and will be required to deliver at its option, cash or shares of its common stock in respect of the remainder, if any, of its conversion obligation. The initial conversion rate is 0.442087 shares per $1 of Original Principal Amount (subject to adjustment in certain events), which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $22.62 per share. However, the Company will not issue any shares of Company common stock pursuant to the 2011 Debentures if, after giving effect to such issuance, the aggregate number of shares issued pursuant to the 2011 Debentures would exceed 19.99% of the number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2011, unless the Company first receives the approval of the Company’s shareholders, which the Company has no obligation to seek. The 2011 Debentures will mature on November 30, 2026, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted. Holders of the 2011 Debentures have the option to require the Company to purchase the 2011 Debentures outstanding on November 30, 2014, November 30, 2018 and November 30, 2022 at a price equal to 100% of the Accreted Principal Amount of the 2011 Debentures delivered for repurchase plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the Original Principal Amount of the 2011 Debentures delivered for repurchase. The Company has the right to redeem the 2011 Debentures beginning May 30, 2014 at a price equal to 100% of the Accreted Principal Amount of the 2011 Debentures to be redeemed, plus any accrued but unpaid interest on the Original Principal Amount of the 2011 Debentures redeemed.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s $100,000 and $57,500 convertible subordinated debentures at October 27, 2012 was approximately $53,616 and $30,829, respectively and the carrying value was $102,324 and $59,034, respectively. The estimated fair value was determined using Level 2 inputs as described in accounting standards for fair value measurement.

NOTE 10 – RESTRUCTURING

In the first half of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the Company recorded restructuring costs associated with severance related to headcount reductions, which is recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following is a reconciliation of accrued restructuring costs for the six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011:

	Educational Resources			Accelerated Learning			Corporate			Total
Accrued Restructuring at April 30, 2011	$	309		$	44		$	8		$	361
Amounts charged to expense		10			—			—			10
Payments		(178	)		(44	)		(8	)		(230	)
Accrued Restructuring at July 30, 2011	$	141		$	—		$	—		$	141
Amounts charged to expense		525			704			187			1,416
Payments		(96	)		(9	)		—			(105	)
Accrued Restructuring at October 29, 2011	$	570		$	695		$	187		$	1,452
Accrued Restructuring Costs at April 28, 2012	$	80		$	338		$	705		$	1,123
Amounts charged to expense		381			400			322			1,103
Payments		(101	)		(276	)		(188	)		(565	)
Accrued Restructuring Costs at July 28, 2012	$	360		$	462		$	839		$	1,661
Amounts charged to expense		—			—			—			—
Payments		(261	)		(200	)		(378	)		(839	)
Accrued Restructuring at October 27, 2012	$	99		$	262		$	461		$	822

19

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 11 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company determines its operating segments based on the information utilized by the chief operating decision maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to allocate resources and assess performance. Based on this information, the Company has determined that it operates in two operating segments, Educational Resources and Accelerated Learning, which also constitute its reportable segments. The Company operates principally in the United States, with limited operations in Canada. The Educational Resources segment offers products that include basic classroom supplies and office products, supplemental learning materials, physical education equipment, classroom technology, and furniture. The Accelerated Learning segment is a PreK-12 curriculum-based publisher of proprietary and non-proprietary products in the categories of science, reading and literacy, coordinated school health, and planning and student development. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies as included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012. Intercompany eliminations represent intercompany sales primarily from our Accelerated Learning segment to our Educational Resources segment, and the resulting profit recognized on such intercompany sales.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Revenue:
Educational Resources	$	171,089		$	173,222		$	344,776		$	359,286
Accelerated Learning		65,610			77,986			143,895			167,839
Corporate and intercompany eliminations		167			167			334			334
Total	$	236,866		$	251,375		$	489,005		$	527,459
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Operating income before provision for income taxes:
Educational Resources	$	21,320		$	12,789		$	42,473		$	28,953
Accelerated Learning		15,229			16,697			34,445			42,390
Corporate and intercompany eliminations		(11,213	)		(7,831	)		(23,101	)		(18,188	)
Operating income		25,336			21,655			53,817			53,155
Impairment of long-term asset		1,414			—			1,414			—
Interest expense		9,315			6,867			19,281			15,869
Income before provision for income taxes	$	14,607		$	14,788		$	33,122		$	37,286
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets and development costs:
Educational Resources	$	1,397		$	1,604		$	2,903		$	3,212
Accelerated Learning		4,333			4,842			8,811			8,921
Corporate and intercompany eliminations		3,165			3,228			6,265			6,362
Total	$	8,895		$	9,674		$	17,979		$	18,495

20

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment, intangible and other assets and development costs:
Educational Resources	$	132	$	83	$	140	$	275
Accelerated Learning		1,462		2,284		3,239		4,539
Corporate and intercompany eliminations		1,145		1,897		2,263		2,669
Total	$	2,739	$	4,264	$	5,642	$	7,483

NOTE 12 – RESTRICTED CASH

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company transferred $2,708 of cash into a restricted account. The funds in the restricted account serve as collateral primarily for the Company’s workmen’s compensation insurance and other lease obligations, secured by letters of credit. These restricted funds cannot be withdrawn from our account without prior written consent of the secured parties.

NOTE 13 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Various claims and proceedings arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The results of these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company received $3,000 in complete satisfaction of a long-term note receivable related to the divestiture of a business that occurred in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2008, the divestiture was reported as a discontinued operation from the Company’s School Specialty Media business unit. The settlement of the note receivable in fiscal 2013 resulted in a $1,414 impairment charge.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company settled the state tax audit for the Delta Education, LLC (“Delta”) liability that survived the Company’s acquisition of Delta in fiscal 2006. As a result of the settlement, the Company finalized the amount owed by the subsidiary to the state. The settlement resulted in an assessment related to the pre-acquisition years of Delta of $2,600, net of Federal benefit. The matter is closed, and the Company adjusted the previously recorded liability, based upon the settlement.

21

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation (“MD&A”)

Overview

School Specialty, (the “Company”), is an education company that provides innovative and proprietary products, programs, and services to help educators engage and inspire students of all ages and abilities to learn. Through each of our leading brands, we design, develop, and provide preK-12 educators with the latest and very best curriculum, supplemental learning resources and classroom basics. Working in collaboration with educators, we reach beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential.

Based on current surveys and recently reported results by education companies in the textbook and curriculum markets, school spending trends in 2012 have continued to be challenging across the industry this school season. While overall state budgets appear to be improving, pressure on educational budgets at the state and municipal level has continued in a significant number of states.

We experienced challenges similar to those of the overall industry in the first six months of fiscal 2013 while we continued to implement changes to improve the effectiveness of the organizational structure of our business. Total revenue of $489.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 was a decline of 7.3% compared to the first six months of fiscal 2012. Educational Resources segment reported a decline in revenue of 4.0% to $344.8 million, but gross margin increased due to improved pricing, inventory planning and merchandising and supply chain management. The Accelerated Learning segment reported a decline in revenue of 14.3% to $143.9 million and a decline in gross margin, caused primarily by lower curriculum related sales in our Science division and lower sales of our agenda products. The Company believes that its curriculum business, notably the science business, has been affected the most severely due to delays in the finalization of Next Generation Science Standards which are expected to be issued in spring of 2013.

The challenges related to the continued depressed educational markets have placed and are expected to continue to place in the near term, increasing pressure on our ability to maintain acceptable levels of liquidity and covenant compliance. In response to these challenges, we have closely managed working capital, including trade payables, as we have continued to work with our vendor base on maintaining favorable payment terms. These actions have temporarily improved our cash flows from operations. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be successful in maintaining these favorable terms. In the event we are unable to do so, this would place increased pressure on our liquidity and ability to maintain covenant compliance.

The Company has continued to pursue its ongoing management initiatives, which drove the year to date gross margin improvements in the Educational Resources segment. We have also made progress on our four previously announced immediate priorities of:

• targeting investments that will best capitalize on growth opportunities and increase EBITDA,

• building product management and marketing capabilities to transform the organization,

• identifying and exiting product lines with inadequate returns or which are not synergistic fits with the balance of our product lines, and

• driving a change in culture that focuses on accountability and organic growth.

We intend to continue to take the steps necessary to achieve these priorities and address the challenges posed by current market trends.

SG&A increased as a percentage of revenues was essentially flat at 29.1% in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to 29.0% in the first six months of fiscal 2012. The Company recorded $1.1 million in restructuring charges in the first six months of fiscal 2013. Total permanent headcount is down approximately 10.0% percent in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2012. Total SG&A decreased by $10.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2012. The decrease in SG&A is due to a combination of headcount reductions and decreased variable costs, such as transportation, warehouse and selling, associated with the decrease in revenue.

Operating income was $53.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2013, an increase of $0.6 million from the prior year six month period. Net income was $32.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013, an increase of $10.1 million from the prior year six month period, due to lower income taxes.

22

Results of Continuing Operations

The following table sets forth various items as a percentage of revenues for the three and six months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Revenues		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of revenues		60.9			62.2			59.9			60.9
Gross profit		39.1			37.8			40.1			39.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses		29.0			29.2			29.4			29.0
Operating income		10.1			8.6			10.7			10.1
Interest expense, net		3.9			2.7			3.9			3.0
Income before provision for income taxes		6.2			5.9			6.8			7.1
Provision for income taxes		0.1			2.4			0.1			2.8
Earnings before investment in unconsolidated affiliate		6.1	%		3.5	%		6.7	%		4.3	%

Three Months Ended October 27, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended October 29, 2011

Revenue

Revenue decreased 5.8% from $251.4 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $236.9 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012.

Educational Resources segment revenue decreased 1.2% from $173.2 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $171.1 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. The decline in Educational Resources segment revenue was comprised of a decline of approximately $2.0 million in the supplies category. The decline in the supplies category is related primarily to classroom supplemental products and other specialty brands which schools consider more discretionary than basic school supplies. Sales of basic school supplies and furniture were essentially flat for the three months ended October 29, 2011 compared to the three months ended October 27, 2012.

Accelerated Learning segment revenue decreased by 15.9% from $78.0 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $65.6 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. Approximately $8 million of the decline was related to decreased school spending for agenda products. The remaining decline was due to continued softness in curriculum purchases related to the Company’s science business unit. In addition, the disposition of our SEEDS of Science product in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 contributed to the sales decline.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased 2.5%, from $95.1 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $92.7 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. The decrease in consolidated revenue resulted in approximately $5.0 million of the decline in gross profit had consolidated gross margin remained constant. Gross margin increased 130 basis points from 37.8% for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to 39.1% for the three months ended October 27, 2012 primarily due to improvements in Educational Resources gross margin. The Accelerated Learning segment, which generates a higher gross margin due to its curriculum-based products than the Educational Resources segment, accounted for 28% of the consolidated revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to 31% of the consolidated revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. This shift of sales between segments partially offset the increase in consolidated gross margin by approximately 70 basis points.

Educational Resources segment gross profit increased $3.7 million from $53.4 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $57.1 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. Gross margin increased by 250 basis points from 30.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 to 33.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. Approximately 225 basis points of the increase were related to margin improvements in furniture and supplies associated with product pricing. The remaining increase of 25 basis points was due to favorable product mix.

Accelerated Learning segment gross profit decreased $5.4 million from $40.8 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $35.4 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012 due to the decreased spending on the Company’s curriculum products for which demand has continued to soften as schools are delaying purchases. Gross margin increased 170 basis points from 52.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 to 54.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 primarily due to favorable product mix.

23

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A includes selling expenses, the most significant of which are sales wages and commissions; operations expenses, which includes customer service, warehouse and out-bound freight costs; catalog costs; general administrative overhead, which includes information systems, accounting, legal and human resources; and depreciation and intangible asset amortization expense.

SG&A decreased $6.0 million from $73.4 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $67.4 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. As a percent of revenue, SG&A decreased from 29.2% for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to 28.4% for the three months ended October 27, 2012. SG&A attributable to the Educational Resources and Accelerated Learning segments decreased a combined $8.8 million and Corporate SG&A increased $2.8 million in the three months ended October 27, 2012 compared to the three months ended October 29, 2011. The increase in Corporate SG&A was related primarily to an increase in employee healthcare costs and professional and outside services.

Educational Resources segment SG&A decreased $4.9 million, or 12.1%, from $40.7 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $35.8 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. The segment had a decrease of $2.2 million in marketing costs primarily associated with a decrease in catalog costs. In addition, the segment had a decrease of approximately $1.7 million in its variable costs such as transportation, warehousing, and selling expenses associated with decreased revenues. Educational Resources segment SG&A decreased as a percent of revenues from 23.5% for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to 20.9% for the three months ended October 27, 2012.

Accelerated Learning segment SG&A decreased $3.9 million, or 16.2%, from $24.2 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $20.3 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. The segment had a decrease of approximately $3.1 million in its variable costs such as transportation, warehousing, and selling expenses associated with decreased revenues. Accelerated Learning segment SG&A decreased as a percent of revenues from 30.9% for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to 30.8% for the three months ended October 27, 2012.

Impairment of Long-Term Asset

For the three months ended October 27, 2012, the Company recorded a $1.4 million impairment charge related to the note receivable it had recorded on its balance sheet from the divestiture of the School Specialty Media business in fiscal 2008. The Company received proceeds of $3.0 million that was used to pay down the Term Loan and recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $2.4 million from $6.9 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011 to $9.3 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012. The increase in interest expense was partially due to a $1.4 million early payment fee related to the Company’s repayment of a portion of its Term Loan during the quarter. The remaining increase was related to higher borrowing costs on the Company’s Term Loan as compared with the borrowing costs in the prior year’s former Credit Agreement, partially offset by a $0.3 million reduction in non-cash interest expense associated with the Company’s convertible debt.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes was $0.3 million for the three months ended October 27, 2012 compared to $6.0 million for the three months ended October 29, 2011. The effective tax rate for the three months ended October 27, 2012 was 2.3% compared to 40.9% for the three months ended October 27, 2011. The Company is forecasting a taxable loss for fiscal 2013. The decline in taxes was related to projected annual tax losses for fiscal 2013 for which tax benefits are not expected to be recognized at this time due to valuation allowances.

24

Six Months Ended October 27, 2012 Compared to Six Months Ended October 29, 2011

Revenue

Revenue decreased 7.3% from $527.5 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $489.0 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012.

Educational Resources segment revenue decreased 4.0% from $359.3 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $344.8 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. The decline in Educational Resources segment revenue was comprised of a decline of approximately $9.0 million in the supplies category and a decline of approximately $5.5 million in the furniture category. The decline in the supplies category is related primarily to classroom supplemental products and other specialty brands which schools consider more discretionary than basic school supplies.

Accelerated Learning segment revenues decreased by 14.3% from $167.8 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $143.9 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. Approximately $13 million of the decline was related to decreased school spending on our science division curriculum and the prior year disposition of our SEEDS of Science product line. While the majority of the decline in the science curriculum was anticipated due to large prior year shipments for science adoptions in Indiana, Nevada and New York City that were not expected to repeat in fiscal 2013, the Company believes that school districts continue to delay spending as the impact from the pending changes to Next Generation Science Standards and general economic conditions remains uncertain. Approximately $11 million of the decline is related to our student planner and agenda products as we believe schools consider agenda products more discretionary in nature.

Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased 4.9% from $206.3 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $196.3 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. The decrease in consolidated revenue accounted for $15.0 million of the decrease in gross profit had gross margins remained constant. Gross margin increased 100 basis points from 39.1% for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to 40.1% for the six months ended October 27, 2012 primarily due to improvements in Educational Resources gross margin. The Accelerated Learning segment generates higher gross margin due to its curriculum-based products than the Educational Resources segment and accounted for 29.4% of consolidated revenue for the six months ended October 27, 2012 compared to 31.8% of consolidated revenue for the six months ended October 29, 2011. This shift in sales between segments partially offset the increase in consolidated gross margin by approximately 50 basis points.

Educational Resources segment gross profit increased $3.7 million from $113.9 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $117.6 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. Gross margin increased 240 basis points from 31.7% for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to 34.1% for the six months ended October 27, 2012. Approximately 200 basis points of the increase were related to margin improvements in furniture and supplies associated with product pricing. The remaining 40 basis point increase was due to favorable product mix.

Accelerated Learning segment gross profit decreased $12.7 million from $91.0 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $78.3 for the six months ended October 27, 2012. The decrease in gross profit for the six months ended October 27, 2012 compared to October 29, 2011 is due to decreased spending on the Company’s curriculum products for which demand has continued to be soft as schools are delaying purchases. Gross margin increased 20 basis points from 54.2% for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to 54.4% for the six months ended October 27, 2012. Product mix was the primary reason for the increase in gross margin in this segment.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

SG&A decreased $10.7 million from $153.2 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $142.5 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. As a percent of revenue, SG&A increased from 29.0% for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to 29.1% for the six months ended October 27, 2012. SG&A attributable to the Educational Resources and Accelerated Learning segments decreased a combined $14.5 million and Corporate SG&A increased $3.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to last year’s first six months. The increase in Corporate SG&A was related primarily to an increase in professional and outside services.

Educational Resources segment SG&A decreased $9.8 million, or 11.5%, from $85.0 million for the first six months ended October 29, 2011 to $75.2 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. The segment had a decrease $3.5 million in

25

marketing costs primarily associated with a decrease in catalog costs related to continued refinements in the Company’s circulation strategy. In addition, reduced volume led to an approximate $3.0 million decrease in its variable costs such as transportation, warehousing, and selling expenses. The segment had a reduction in compensation costs of $3.6 million due to reduced headcount and other compensation-related cost saving actions. Educational Resources segment SG&A decreased as a percent of revenues from 23.7% for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to 21.8% for the six months ended October 27, 2012.

Accelerated Learning segment SG&A decreased $4.7 million, or 9.7%, from $48.6 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $43.9 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. Reduced volume led to a decrease of approximately $2.8 million in its variable costs such as transportation, warehousing, and selling expenses. The remaining reduction is related primarily to segment headcount reductions and other compensation-related cost saving actions. Accelerated Learning segment SG&A increased as a percent of revenues from 29.0% for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to 30.5% for the six months ended October 27, 2012.

Impairment of Long-Term Asset

For the six months ended October 27, 2012, the Company recorded a $1.4 million impairment charge related to the note receivable it had recorded on its balance sheet from the divestiture of the School Specialty Media business in fiscal 2008. The Company received proceeds of $3.0 million that was used to pay down a portion of the Term Loan and recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $4.5 million from $14.8 million for the six months ended October 29, 2011 to $19.3 million for the six months ended October 27, 2012. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to the write-off of $2.5 million of debt issuance costs related to the Company’s former revolving credit facility which was refinanced in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. In addition, the current year interest expense includes a $1.4 million early payment fee associated with the Company’s repayment of a portion of its Term Loan. The remaining increase was related to higher borrowing costs on the Company’s Term Loan as compared with the borrowing costs in the prior year’s former Credit Agreement. The increase was partially offset by $0.5 million of a decrease in non-cash interest associated with the Company’s convertible notes.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $0.6 million for the first six months of fiscal 2013 compared to $15.0 million for the first six months of fiscal 2012. The effective tax rate in the first six months of fiscal 2013 was 1.8% compared to 40.2% for the first six months of fiscal 2012. The Company is forecasting a taxable loss for fiscal 2013. The decline in taxes was related to projected annual tax losses for fiscal 2013 for which tax benefits are not expected to be recognized at this time due to valuation allowances.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At October 27, 2012, the Company had working capital of $127.9 million. The Company’s capitalization at October 27, 2012 was $395.3 million and consisted of total debt of $295.4 million and shareholders’ equity of $99.9 million.

On May 22, 2012, the Company entered into an Asset-Based Credit Agreement (the “ABL Facility”) and Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Term Loan”), which replaced the Company’s then-existing credit facility. Both the ABL Facility and the Term Loan contain customary events of default and financial, affirmative and negative covenants, including quarterly financial covenants relating to the Company’s (1) maximum secured leverage ratio, (2) maximum total leverage ratio, (3) maximum term loan ratio, (4) minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and (5) minimum interest coverage ratio. In addition, the Term Loan contains a minimum liquidity covenant requiring the Company to maintain minimum liquidity levels at the end of each month during the life of the Term Loan (consisting of qualified cash, subject to a $2.0 million cap, plus availability under the ABL Facility).

Under the ABL Facility, the Asset-Based Lenders agreed to provide a revolving senior secured asset-based credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million. Outstanding amounts under the ABL Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s election: (1) a base rate (equal to the greatest of (a) the prime lending rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or (c) the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 1.00% per annum) (the “Base Rate”) plus an applicable margin (equal to a specified margin based on the interest rate elected by the Company, the excess availability under the ABL Facility

26

and the applicable point in the life of the ABL Facility) (the “Applicable Margin”), or (2) a LIBOR rate plus the Applicable Margin (the “LIBOR Rate”). Interest on loans under the ABL Facility bearing interest based upon the Base Rate will be due monthly in arrears, and interest on loans bearing interest based upon the LIBOR Rate will be due on the last day of each relevant interest period.

The ABL Facility will mature on September 30, 2014, but may be extended to October 31, 2015 if the Company’s indebtedness under its convertible subordinated debentures has been refinanced. Advances under the ABL Facility may be prepaid by the Company in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium. The Company will be required to make specified prepayments upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (1) the amount outstanding on the ABL Facility exceeding the Borrowing Base; (2) the Company’s receipt of net cash proceeds of any sale or disposition of assets that are first priority collateral for the ABL Facility; (3) the Company’s receipt of Extraordinary Receipts that would constitute collateral for the ABL Facility; (4) the incurrence by the Company of any indebtedness that is not Permitted Indebtedness; (5) the Company’s issuance of certain equity interests; (6) the receipt by the Company of any proceeds of business interruption insurance; and (7) the Company’s receipt of cash proceeds in connection with certain asset sales.

Under the Term Loan, the Term Loan Lenders agreed to make a term loan to the Company in aggregate principal amount of $70 million. The outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable LIBOR rate (calculated as the greater of (1) the current three-month LIBOR rate and (2) 1.5%) plus 11.0%, accruing and paid on a quarterly basis in arrears.

The Term Loan matures on October 31, 2014, but may be extended to December 31, 2015 if the Company’s indebtedness under its convertible subordinated debentures has been refinanced. The Term Loan requires prepayments at specified levels upon the Company’s receipt of net proceeds from certain events, including: (1) certain dispositions of property, divisions, business units or business lines, including any Permitted Divestiture; (2) issuances of debt for the refinancing of the Term Loan; (3) other issuances of debt other than Permitted Debt; (4) issuances of certain equity interests; (5) the Company’s receipt of certain Extraordinary Receipts; and (6) any insurance proceeds in respect of business interruption insurance or loss or destruction of collateral property. The Company is also permitted to voluntarily prepay the Term Loan in whole or in part. Any prepayments are to be made at par, plus an early payment fee calculated in accordance with the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

The Company used the proceeds of the ABL Facility and the Term Loan to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Company’s previous credit facility.

The covenants for fiscal 2013 are as follows:

	Fiscal 2013 Covenants
Ratio	Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4
Maximum secured leverage ratio		5.12x		3.21x		2.45x		3.09x
Maximum total leverage ratio		9.52x		7.15x		6.55x		6.99x
Maximum term loan ratio		2.28x		2.29x		2.32x		2.28x
Minimum fixed charge ratio		0.82x		0.97x		0.92x		0.96x

In addition, the ABL Facility and Term Loan require that the Company have minimum liquidity of at least $20.0 million at the end of each of its fiscal months.

The Company closely evaluates its expected ability to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under our ABL Facility and Term Loan Credit Agreement. The recent challenges affecting the Company’s performance have placed, and are expected to continue to place in the near term, pressure on the Company’s ability to maintain acceptable levels of liquidity and to remain in compliance with its covenants. The Company, with its advisors, is pursuing alternatives to improve its liquidity. If the Company fails to improve its liquidity and maintain compliance with these financial covenants and fails to obtain amendments to or waivers under these credit agreements, the Company’s lenders could pursue remedies, which could include an acceleration of our debt. Should such acceleration occur, the Company may have difficulty obtaining sufficient additional funds to refinance the accelerated debt.

27

The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants described above as of the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and was in compliance with the minimum liquidity covenant as of the end of each fiscal month in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

In November 2006, we sold $200.0 million of convertible subordinated debentures due 2026, (“the 2006 Debentures”). The 2006 Debentures were unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company, which paid interest at 3.75% per annum and were convertible upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The debentures were redeemable at our option on or after November 30, 2011. On November 30, 2011, the holders had the right to require us to repurchase all or some of the 2006 Debentures.

On March 1, 2011 and July 7, 2011, we exchanged $100.0 million and $57.5 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2006 Debentures, for $100.0 million and $57.5 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of convertible debentures also due November 30, 2026, (“the 2011 Debentures”). The 2011 Debentures are unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company, pay interest at 3.75% per annum on each May 30th and November 30th, and are convertible upon satisfaction of certain conditions. Principal will accrete on the 2011 Debentures at a rate of 3.9755% per year, compounding on a semi-annual basis. In connection with any such conversion, the Company will deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of 2011 Debentures to be converted and the Company’s total conversion obligation, and will deliver, at its option, cash or shares of the Company’s common stock in respect of the remainder, if any, of the Company’s conversion obligation. The initial conversion rate is 44.2087 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 2011 Debentures, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $22.62 per share. The 2011 Debentures are redeemable at the Company’s option on or after May 30, 2014. On November 30, 2014, 2018 and 2022 and upon the occurrence of certain circumstances, holders will have the right to require us to repurchase all or some of the 2011 Debentures. The Company’s ABL Facility and Term Loan will mature on September 30, 2014 and October 31, 2014, respectively, if the 2011 Debentures have not been refinanced prior to those dates. The Company expects to refinance the 2011 Debentures prior to September 30, 2014 with proceeds from the issuance of new debt and/or additional equity, but there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so on terms that are acceptable to the Company or at all.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $26.3 million to $19.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to net cash used in operating activities of $6.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2012. The net cash provided by operating activities increased due primarily to working capital management, including trade payables, as we have continued to work with our vendor base in maintaining favorable payment terms. This improvement in cash provided by operations related to working capital is temporary, however, and the Company expects the year to date improvement in cash from operations to reverse in the second half of fiscal 2013. In the event we are unable to maintain favorable terms, increased pressure will be placed on our liquidity and ability to maintain covenant compliance.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $2.1 million to $5.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to $7.5 million for the first six months of fiscal 2012. Additions to property, plant and equipment decreased $1.2 million from the first six months of fiscal 2012 to $2.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013. Product development spending decreased $0.6 million from the first six months of fiscal 2012 to $3.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2012, primarily as a result of a reduction in capital spending by the Company. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company transferred $2,708 of cash into a restricted account. The funds in the restricted account serve as collateral primarily for the Company’s workmen’s compensation insurance and other lease obligations, secured by letters of credit. These restricted funds cannot be withdrawn from our account without prior written consent of the secured parties. Partially offsetting the increase was the $3.0 million receipt related to the collection of portion of a long-term note receivable which was related to divestiture activity dating back to fiscal 2008. The proceeds from the long-term note receivable were used to reduce the Company’s Term Loan from $70.0 million to $67.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $17.6 million to $9.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2013 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $8.5 million for the first six months of fiscal 2012. The decrease was due to repayment of debt and funds used to pay for the renegotiated debt agreement in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Fluctuations in Quarterly Results of Operations

Our business is subject to seasonal influences. Our historical revenues and profitability have been dramatically higher in the first two quarters of our fiscal year, primarily due to increased shipments to customers coinciding with the start of each school year. Quarterly results also may be materially affected by the variations in our costs for the products sold, the mix of products sold and general economic conditions. Therefore, results for any fiscal quarter are not indicative of the results that we may achieve for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for a full fiscal year.

28

Inflation

Inflation, particularly in energy costs, has had and is expected to have an effect on our results of operations and our internal and external sources of liquidity.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this Quarterly Report which are not historical are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include: (1) statements made under Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, including, without limitation, statements with respect to internal growth plans, projected revenues, margin improvement, capital expenditures, adequacy of capital resources and ability to comply with financial covenants; and (2) statements included or incorporated by reference in our future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements also include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectation of School Specialty or its officers. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “continues” or similar expressions.

All forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report are based on information available to us as of the date hereof. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made by us or on our behalf, in this Quarterly Report or otherwise. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements identified above. Factors which may cause such a difference to occur include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in qualitative and quantitative disclosures about market risk from what was reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2012.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective for the purposes set forth in the definition of the Exchange Act rules.

Changes in Internal Control

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

29

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

There have been no material changes in litigation matters subject to the Company in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

The business and financial results of the Company are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties have not changed materially from those reported in the fiscal 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 6. Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index, which is incorporated herein by reference.

30

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.
	(Registrant)
December 6, 2012	/s/ Michael P. Lavelle
Date	Michael P. Lavelle
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)
December 6, 2012	/s/ David N. Vander Ploeg
Date	David N. Vander Ploeg
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

31

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
12.1	Statement Regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
31.1	Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Financial Officer.
32.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Executive Officer.
32.2	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Financial Officer.
101	The following materials from School Specialty, Inc.’s. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 27, 2012 are furnished herewith, formatted in XBRL (Extensive Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

32