SSI Guardian Introduces Innovative QAL Lock - Quick Action Lockdown

GREENVILLE, Wis., Feb. 29, 2016 -- SSI Guardian, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of School Specialty, Inc. (OTCQB:SCOO), announced today its new quick action lockdown system for classrooms, the Guardian QAL Lock - Quick Action Lockdown.

Designed to meet Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommendations for classroom lockdowns, the Guardian QAL - Quick Action Lockdown provides maximum locking protection, including deadbolt protection for classrooms at the press of a button. In addition to the QAL, SSI Guardian will offer the Time-Out Room Constant Supervision Lock and SecuriGuard Magnetic Cylinder Protector, rounding out the Company’s comprehensive set of lock solutions which meet the special needs of today’s schools.

“The Guardian QAL - Quick Action Lockdown is the solution parents and schools have been asking for,” stated Michael A. Yorio, President of SSI Guardian. “Quickly locking down individual classrooms without a key and in a code compliant manner is critical and QAL was developed to overcome these weaknesses associated with key or fob based locks -- providing educational facilities with an answer to their greatest locking challenges.”

SSI Guardian collaborated with Securitech Group, a leading US-based producer of security door hardware, to develop the ground-breaking lockdown system. “Securitech is proud to partner with the SSI Guardian team to bring this revolutionary product which protects students and teachers in schools across the country,” said Mark Berger, President and Chief Product Officer. “We have answered the Department of Homeland Security’s #1 recommendation – secure the door with the push of a button – and QAL projects a stainless steel deadbolt instantly. Life safety codes are respected and first responders and school staff can always enter the classroom by key.”

Mr. Yorio further commented, “There is no better manufacturer than Securitech when it comes to specialized locking solutions. Their performance and leadership for the past 30 years, not to mention reputation for product excellence, is second to none in the industry. The addition of our new line of locking solutions complements the SSI Guardian evidence-based, advanced training and will further help make schools and universities throughout North America safer and more prepared.”

SSI Guardian continues to set the new standard in safe school training through its evidenced-based, advanced training curriculum that empowers educators and staff with best practices for security that not only prepares them for violent threats but also teaches valuable prevention and mitigation strategies. The program is the only one of its kind issuing an accredited continuing education unit (CEU) from North Carolina State University.

About School Specialty, Inc.
School Specialty is a leading distributor of innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to the education marketplace.  The Company designs, develops, and provides educators with the latest and very best school supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources.  Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential.  For more information about School Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

For information on SSI Guardian, visit www.guardianprotect.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may include predictions, estimates, opinions or statements that might be considered "forward-looking" under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements generally can be identified by phrases such as the Company or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates," or other, similar words or phrases”.

Company Contact:                                                    
Michael A. Yorio
President
SSI Guardian
Tel: 202-815-8591
Email: [email protected]

Media Contacts:
Glenn Wiener and Dionne Manchester
GW Communications (for School Specialty/SSI Guardian)
Tel: 212-786-6011 / 212-786-6068
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]