Alexia Leek, Hardin Valley Elementary, is the first recipient of the "Abby Gibson Award" for being the school system's Top Seller.  Alexia sold 501 books. Superintendent Jim McIntyre leads the crowd in cheering for Alexia's accomplishment. (Read More)

Coupon Books sales meet needs identified by parents, teachers, schools

Knox County Schools Coupon Books provide funds to meet school needs identified by parents, teachers and school administrators.  Students sold 150,838 coupon books during the 2010 campaign representing a profit of $1,319,832.50. Since 1989, over 2.8 million coupon books have been sold to raise nearly $25 million for Knox County students.

The coupon books cost $10.00 with $7.90 going to the school where the book is sold.  Schools with a high number of economically disadvantaged students share $.70 from the sale of each book.  Encyclopedia Britannica On-Line for all Knox County Schools’ libraries is funded by $.13 of the proceeds and another $.12 funds the “Schooled for Success” program, an eighth grade career awareness initiative in each Knox County middle school.  The cost of printing is $.65 per book.  Only $.50 of the book’s cost goes to cover administrative and student incentive cost.

“The program was established in 1989 as a way to provide discretionary funds for schools to use to meet needs identified by parents and teachers,” said Scott Bacon, the Knox County Schools supervisor of business partnerships.  ‘Since its inception the coupon book program has been widely embraced by middle and elementary schools and the funds generated have become a primary resource for improving technology and playgrounds in schools across the county. Parent and community support have made the Knox County Schools Coupon Book program the most successful program of its kind in the nation.

 ‘There are few restrictions on how the funds can be used by the schools,” said Bacon, “Parents and students raised over $1.3 million this year. That is money that stays at the school where the book was sold. So, it has an immediate impact on students. In fact, we encourage schools to spend the money raised within the school year in which it was earned so the students who raised the money benefit directly and immediately.”

The 2011 coupon book contains money-saving offers worth more than $10,000, providing discounts on fast food, fine dining, personal and professional services, as well as shopping and entertainment.  Students sold coupon books, which feature discount coupons for over 300 area merchants, in a two-week campaign conducted this year from Sept. 8 through September 26. Knox County Schools Coupon Books are still available online on the Knox County Schools home page, and at several retail locations throughout Knoxville.

“Twelve cents from each book sale funds the Schooled for Success program,” said Bacon. “This is an eighth grade career awareness initiative in each Knox County middle school.  It is a year-long program that culminates in an internship for many eight grade students.  Students complete a portfolio focusing on self-assessment, career exploration, career planning, pre-employment skills development and employment skills development.  They also have the opportunity to participate in a career fair that traditionally has exhibitors from over 100 local businesses and community organizations.”

“We understand that people have a lot of different views of the coupon book and school fundraising activities in general,” said Bacon. “But we feel that the book is a real value. It lets a buyer recoup his or her investment through the use of the coupons. There are not many $10.00 investments that can return up to $10,000.00 over the course of a year.”

“Because of the value, we encourage schools and school groups to make the coupon book the focal point of their fund raising activities,” said Bacon. “A successful coupon book program provides funding to meet critical needs within our schools early in the school year."