Document:

EX-10.8

 Exhibit 10.8 
 TRANSITION AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE 
 This Transition and Separation
Agreement and Mutual General Release (the “Transition Agreement”) is entered into as of the 22 day of July, 2013, by and between Michael P. Lavelle (“Executive”) and School Specialty, Inc. (the “Company”) (Executive and
the Company sometimes referred to herein, collectively, as the “Parties”). 
 WHEREAS, Executive has been employed by the Company
pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive, dated January 12, 2012 (the “Employment Agreement”). (Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall have the meaning assigned to them in the
Employment Agreement); 
 WHEREAS, Executive has tendered his resignation from the Company and the Parties desire to effect an orderly
transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to a successor; 
 WHEREAS, as a condition of the Company making certain payments and
providing certain benefits, the Parties have agreed to execute and comply fully with the terms of this Transition Agreement. 
 NOW THEREFORE,
in consideration of the foregoing, the payments to be made and benefits provided and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows: 
 1. Transition and Separation. 
 a. Executive has tendered his resignation from the Company
effective August 2, 2013 (the date of this Agreement through Executive’s date of separation of employment, the “Transition Period”) and the Parties anticipate that Executive’s last day of employment will be August 2,
2013; provided, however, the Company may, at its sole discretion, upon written notice to Executive accept Executive’s resignation so that it is effective at any time during the Transition Period or extend the Transition Period beyond
August 2, 2013, but not later than September 1, 2013. The date that Executive’s employment actually ends will be his separation date (the “Separation Date”). 
 b. During the Transition Period, Executive will continue (i) to report to the Board and (ii) to perform his current duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to, cooperating with
respect to any regulatory or similar filings of the Company, and such other duties and responsibilities commensurate with his position as may be reasonably assigned to him, as well as fully cooperate and work with James R. Henderson, who will become
the Interim Chief Executive Officer immediately upon Executive’s Separation Date and otherwise assist the Company in the transition of his duties and responsibilities. 
 c. Effective as of the Separation Date, Executive hereby resigns from each and every office, directorship and any other position that Executive held with the Company and the Related Companies, including,
but not limited to, Executive’s positions as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of the Board. Also effective as of the Separation Date, Executive further renounces all signatory authority he possesses on behalf
of the Company and any Related Companies. Although the foregoing is effective without any further action on the part of Executive, Executive agrees to execute any documents requested by the Company as necessary or appropriate to effectuate such
actions. 

 2. Compensation and Benefits. 
 a. All of the compensation and benefits that Executive receives as part of his employment will cease as of the Separation Date, except as otherwise set forth in this Transition Agreement, or as otherwise
required by law. Thereafter, Executive and/or Executive’s dependents may continue Executive’s group benefits at his and/or their expense, subject to Paragraph 3.a.(ii) below, as provided by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”). Under separate cover, Executive will receive a personalized COBRA packet and other benefit continuation information. 
 b. Executive will receive the Accrued Obligations subject to the terms of the Employment Agreement. 
 c. The Company shall reimburse Executive’s reasonable legal fees, up to $15,000, incurred by Executive in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Transition Agreement.

 3. Discretionary Severance Benefits. 
 a. Executive agrees to execute and deliver to the Company, the General Release in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Executive General Release”). Provided that Executive delivers to the
Company an executed Executive General Release within the time period provided in Paragraph 3.c. below, which he may not sign until on or after the Separation Date, the Executive General Release becomes effective in accordance with its terms, and
subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the terms of this Transition Agreement, the Company will, as discretionary severance: (i) pay to Executive an amount equal to six (6) months of his base salary as of the Separation Date
(less applicable withholdings and deductions), payable as provided in Paragraph 3.c. below in installments corresponding to the Company’s payroll dates (the “Severance Payments”), (ii) reimburse Executive for that portion of the
premiums paid by Executive to obtain COBRA continuation health coverage that equals the Company’s subsidy for health coverage for active employees with family coverage (“COBRA Continuation Payments”) for six ( 6) months following
the Separation Date (provided that Executive makes a timely COBRA election), but in each case, only for so long as Executive complies with the requirements of Articles IV, Confidentiality; V, Non-Competition; VI, Business Idea Rights; VII,
Non-Solicitation of Employees; VIII, Employee Disclosures and Acknowledgements; IX, Return of Records; X, Non-Disparagement and XI, Miscellaneous of the Employment Agreement; (the Severance Payments and COBRA Continuation Payments described in
clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, are referred to hereinafter, collectively, as the “Discretionary Severance Benefits”), and (iii) execute and deliver to Executive, through his attorney, the Company General Release in favor of
Executive, in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B (the “Company General Release”). 

 b. The Discretionary Severance Benefits do not constitute earnings or wages for purposes of any Company
benefit plan. Executive will receive an IRS Form W-2 with respect to the Discretionary Severance Benefits. Executive acknowledges that he would not have received the Discretionary Severance Benefits, payments and benefits to which the Executive is
not otherwise entitled, if he did not enter into this Transition Agreement and the Executive General Release. 
 c. Payment of the Discretionary
Severance Benefits shall commence on the pay date which is on or immediately after the forty-fifth (45th) day following the Separation Date, provided that prior to such date this Transition Agreement and the Executive General Release have
become effective and irrevocable in accordance with their respective terms and (i) the first such payment shall include an amount that is retroactive to the day immediately after the Separation Date, and (ii) subsequent payments shall
correspond to the Company’s customary payroll dates, as may be changed from time-to-time. 
 4. Mutual General Release. 

a. Executive Release. Executive, in consideration of and as a condition to the agreement of the Company to enter into this Transition Agreement,
reimbursement of his legal fees in connection with this Transition Agreement and in exchange for the Company Release as set forth in Paragraph 4.b. below, Executive for himself and his heirs and assigns, hereby voluntarily, knowingly and irrevocably
releases and forever discharges the Company and its Affiliates and their respective predecessors, successors and assigns, and their respective present, former, and future officers, directors, shareholders, partners, principals, participants,
investors (including, without limitation, all funds and/or accounts that are owned, controlled, or affiliated with the following entities: Zazove Associates, LLC, Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., Steel Excel Inc.,
Wolverine Asset Management, J. Goldman & Co., L.P ., Scoggin LLC and, BulwarkBay Investment Group LLC), trustees, employees, agents, administrators, representatives, attorneys, members, insurers or fiduciaries, in both their individual and
representative capacities, (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”), from all actions, claims, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages, liabilities, expenses and controversies of any nature and description whatsoever,
including attorneys’ fees and costs (collectively, “Claims”), whether or not now known, suspected or claimed, which Executive had, has, or may have, against any of the Company Released Parties from the beginning of time up to and
including the date Executive signs this Transition Agreement, including but not limited to, any Claims that arise out of, relate to or are based on (i) Executive’s employment by the Company and/or separation therefrom, including, without
limitation, under any federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance including, without limitation, any having any bearing whatsoever on the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment and/or the termination thereof,
(ii) statements, acts or omissions by the Company and/or other Company Released Parties, (iii) express or implied agreements, whether oral or written, between Executive and the Company and/or other Company Released Parties, including, but
not limited to, the Employment Agreement and any offers or term sheets; (iv) any federal, state or local fair employment practices or civil rights laws including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law, each as may be amended, which, among other things, prohibit discrimination on such bases as race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, family and/or medical leave,
sex/gender, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, 

 
genetic information or testing, uniformed or military service, retaliation, whistleblowing, protected activity, mental or physical disability, age, or marital status, (v) common law, public
policy, breach of contract or tort, including, without limitation, Claims for emotional distress, libel, slander or wrongful discharge, or (vi) wages, commissions, bonuses, notice, notice pay, accrued vacation, paid time off or holiday pay,
employee benefits, expenses, equity awards, allowances and any other payments or compensation of any kind whatsoever; provided, however, the foregoing will not (A) prevent Executive from bringing any claim seeking enforcement of this Transition
Agreement, (B) release any Claims that may not be waived pursuant to applicable law, (C) prevent Executive from bringing any future claims, if any, (D) release any rights that Executive may have to indemnification under the
Company’s organizational documents or under any insurance policy, subject to the respective terms and limitations, providing directors’ and officers’ coverage applicable to Executive, then existing, for any lawsuit or claim relating
to the period when Executive was an employee of the Company or (E) release the Parties’ respective continuing rights and/or obligations pursuant to Articles IV, Confidentiality; V, Non-Competition; VI, Business Idea Rights; VII,
Non-Solicitation of Employees; VIII, Employee Disclosures and Acknowledgements; IX, Return of Records; X, Non-Disparagement and XI, Miscellaneous of the Employment Agreement. 
 Executive represents that no charges, complaints or actions of any kind have been filed by him or on his behalf against the Company or any Company Released Party with any court, agency or other tribunal.

 b. Company Release. Subject to this Transition Agreement becoming effective in accordance with its terms and Executive’s compliance with
this Transition Agreement, the Company hereby voluntarily, knowingly, irrevocably and unconditionally releases and forever discharges Executive, his heirs, executors, trustees, legal representatives, agents, administrators and assigns
(“Executive Released Parties”), from any and all Claims, whether or not now known, suspected or claimed, which the Company had, has, or may have, against any of the Executive Released Parties from the beginning of time up to and including
the date Executive signs this Transition Agreement which arise out of, relate to or are based on (i) Executive’s employment by the Company and/or separation therefrom; (ii) statements, acts or omissions by Executive and/or other
Executive Released Parties; (iii) express or implied agreements, whether oral or written, between Executive and the Company and/or other Executive Released Parties, including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement and any offers or term
sheets; or (iv) common law, public policy, breach of contract or tort, including, without limitation, Claims for emotional distress, libel, slander or wrongful discharge; provided, however, the foregoing will not (A) prevent the Company
from bringing any claim seeking enforcement of this Transition Agreement, (B) release any Claims that may not be waived pursuant to applicable law, (C) prevent the Company from bringing any future claims, if any, (D) release the
Parties’ respective continuing rights and/or obligations pursuant to Articles IV, Confidentiality; V, Non-Competition; VI, Business Idea Rights; VII, Non-Solicitation of Employees; VIII, Employee Disclosures and Acknowledgements; IX, Return of
Records; X, Non-Disparagement and XI, Miscellaneous of the Employment Agreement or (E) release Claims against Executive arising out of acts of illegal conduct or fraud committed by Executive in relation to the Company or any of its
Affiliates or any Company Released Party. 

 The Company represents that no charges, complaints or actions of any kind have been filed by the Company or
on its behalf against Executive or any Executive Released Party with any court, agency or other tribunal. 
 5. Survival of Articles IV, V, VI,
VII, VIII, IX, X and XI. The Parties acknowledge and agree that their respective rights and/or obligations under Article IV, Confidentiality, Article V, Non-Competition, Article VI, Business Idea Rights, Article VII, Non-Solicitation of Employees,
Article VIII, Executive Disclosures and Acknowledgements, Article IX, Return of Records, Article X, Non-Disparagement, and Article XI, Miscellaneous, of the Employment Agreement survive the execution of this Transition Agreement, the Executive
General Release, the Company General Release, the termination of the Employment Agreement and the termination of Executive’s employment with the Company. The Parties further acknowledge and agree that all such terms remain in full force and
effect and are not modified, amended or released in any way. The Parties hereby amend Section 11.1, Notice, of the Employment Agreement, as follows: 
  

			
	To the Company:    	  	 School Specialty, Inc.
 W 6316
Design Drive
 P.O. Box 1579
 Appleton,
WI 54912-1579
 Attention: Board of Directors of the Company
 Fax: 920.882.5863
 Email: jimhenderson@schoolspecialty.com

		
	With a copy to:	  	 Brett Lawrence

Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP

180 Maiden Lane
 New York, NY
10038-4982
 Fax: 1-212-806-1222

E-mail: blawrence@stroock.com

		
	To Executive:	  	 Michael P. Lavelle
 2080 West
Muirwood Drive
 Green Bay, WI 54313

Email: mikelavelle@hotmail.com

		
	With a copy to:	  	 Joyce Ackerbaum Cox
 Baker
Hostetler
 200 S. Orange A venue, Ste 2300
 Orlando, FL 32801
 Fax: 1-407-841-0168
 E-mail: jacox@bakerlaw.com

 6. Consequence of Breach. The Parties understand that if either party should breach any provision of this Transition
Agreement or the General Release, the other party shall be entitled to pursue any and all available legal and/or equitable remedies for such breach, including but not limited to , contractual damages, equitable relief, attorneys’ fees and costs
incurred in connection with such breach. The Parties expressly acknowledge that their respective rights, duties and obligations under this Transition Agreement are cumulative and that either party taking any of the actions set forth in this
paragraph shall not abrogate, diminish or otherwise impact the validity or enforceability of the releases set forth in Paragraph 4 of this Transition Agreement or in the General Releases. 

 7. Assistance. Executive agrees that after the Separation Date, upon reasonable notice and provided the
requests for services are reasonable, Executive will provide transition services to the Company and assist the Interim or Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company. During the 90-day period following Executive’s Separation Date,
(i) Executive agrees to provide up to ten (10) hours per calendar month of such services without any additional remuneration and (ii) for any additional services, the Company agrees to pay Executive an hourly rate based upon
Executive’s base salary as of the Separation Date. Such services shall be performed by phone or e-mail or by such other method or place as may be mutually agreed by the Company and Executive. For avoidance of doubt, Executive shall not perform
any such services unless requested by the Board or the Interim or Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In addition, if Executive has prior approval from the Board or the Interim or Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Company
shall reimburse Executive for his reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with such assistance. Executive shall be an independent contractor with respect to such services and the Company shall issue an IRS Form 1099 to Executive for any fees
paid pursuant to this Paragraph 7. 
 8. Miscellaneous. 
 a. Entire Agreement; Amendment. Executive acknowledges that in executing this Transition Agreement he has not relied on any statements, promises or representations made by the Company and/or Company
Released Parties except as specifically memorialized in this Transition Agreement. This Transition Agreement contains the complete agreement of the Parties in any way related to Executive’s separation from employment and the subject matter
addressed in it, and it supersedes and cancels all other, previous agreements or understandings between the Parties. This Transition Agreement cannot be modified or rescinded except upon the written consent signed by both Executive and an officer of
the Company. 
 b. Severability. If any provision of this Transition Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable,
such provision shall be considered to be distinct and severable from the other provisions of this Transition Agreement, and such unenforceability shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions. If any provision of this
Transition Agreement is so held to be unenforceable as written but may be made enforceable by limitation, then such provision shall be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. The language of all parts of this Transition
Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any of the Parties. 
 c.
No Admission of Liability. Neither this Transition Agreement, the Executive General Release or the Company General Release, nor the furnishing of the Discretionary Severance Benefits shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an
admission by Executive, the Company or any Company Released Party or Executive Released Party of any liability or unlawful or wrongful conduct of any kind. 

 d. Binding Effect; Assignment. This Transition Agreement shall be binding on the Company and Executive and
their legal representatives, successors and assigns, agents, administrators, executives and heirs. It shall inure to the benefit of the Company and Executive, to the Company’s successors and assigns, its Affiliates, its third party
beneficiaries, and to Executive’s heirs. This Transition Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive and Executive may not assign, transfer or subcontract his responsibilities hereunder; provided, however, Executive may assign his right to
receive any payments hereunder. 
 e. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Transition Agreement shall be governed by the laws
of the State of Wisconsin without reference to its conflicts of laws provisions. Each Party agrees that the appropriate state and federal courts in Wisconsin shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any disputes arising out of, concerning or relating,
directly or indirectly, to this Transition Agreement, or any other dispute between the Parties and each hereby consents to and waives any objection to, the venue and jurisdiction of such courts. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY ON
ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, SETOFF, DEMAND ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THEM, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE ARISING OUT OF, CONCERNING OR RELATING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO THIS TRANSITION AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER DISPUTE BETWEEN
THE PARTIES. 
 f. Section 409A. This Transition Agreement, and the payments and benefits hereunder, are intended to be exempt from
taxation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). Any ambiguity in this Transition Agreement shall be interpreted to comply with the
foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations regarding the treatment of any payments or benefits hereunder and the Company shall not be liable to, and Executive shall be solely liable and responsible for, any taxes
or penalties that may be imposed on Executive under Section 409A with respect to Executive’s receipt of payments or benefits hereunder. 
 9. Waiver. A failure by any party to enforce at any time or over a period of time, any provision of this Transition Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such provision or of any other
provision of this Transition Agreement. 
 10. Facsimile and Electronic Signatures, Execution in Parts & Headings. Signatures
transmitted by facsimile or electronically in the form of a PDF file are deemed to be originals and this Transition Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The headings used in
this Transition Agreement are intended only for the convenience of the parties and shall not in any way add to, limit or otherwise be used in the interpretation of this Transition Agreement. 
 11. No Future Compensation. By entering into this Transition Agreement, Executive acknowledges that (i) he waives any claim to reinstatement and/or future employment with the Company, (ii) to
the extent he may seek or apply for future employment with the Company, any failure by the Company to hire or rehire Executive shall not constitute retaliation, and (iii) Executive is not and shall not be entitled to any payments, compensation,
benefits, or other obligations from the Company and/or Company Released Parties of any nature whatsoever (except as expressly set forth herein). 

	12.	Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that: 

  

	•	 	 he has read this Transition Agreement in its entirety and understands all of its terms, including that it constitutes a complete general release of all
Claims against the Company and Company Released Parties; 

  

	•	 	 he has been advised, in writing, to review this Transition Agreement with an attorney before signing it; 

 

	•	 	 he has had a sufficient period of time within which to review this Transition Agreement, including, without limitation, with his attorney, and that he
has in fact done so with his attorney, Joyce Ackerbaum Cox, of the firm of Baker Hostetler; and 

  

	•	 	 he knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all the terms and conditions contained in this Transition Agreement. 

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC. 
  

	By:	/s/ James R. Henderson 

	 	Name:	James R. Henderson 

	 	Title:	Chairman 

	 	Date:	8/22/13 

  

	    	/s/ Michael P. Lavelle 

	 	Name:	Michael P. Lavelle 

	 	Date	8/22/13 

 STATE OF
                                    ) 

                         
                               ):ss.: 
 COUNTY OF
                                ) 

On the 22 day of July, 2013, before me personally appeared Michael P. Lavelle, to me known and known to me to be the individual described in, and who
duly acknowledged to me that he executed the foregoing Transition and Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release. 
  
                                  
                                    

Notary Public 

 STATE OF
                                    ) 

                         
                               ):ss.: 
 COUNTY OF
                                ) 

On the 22 day of July , 2013, before me personally came James Henderson to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did acknowledge that he is the Chairman
of SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC., the organization described in the Transition and Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release, and that he signed the foregoing Transition and Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release on its behalf; and that he
was duly authorized by that organization to sign the foregoing Transition and Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release on its behalf. 
  

                         
                                         
   
 Notary Public 

 EXHIBIT A 
 EXECUTIVE GENERAL RELEASE 
 WHEREAS, I, Michael P. Lavelle, on the one hand, and School Specialty,
Inc. (the “Company”) on the other hand, entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release, dated July 22, 2013 (the “Transition Agreement”) (Capitalized terms used, but not defined herein, shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Employment Agreement or the Transition Agreement); 
 WHEREAS, as a condition of the Company
performing its obligations as provided in the Transition Agreement, I, Michael P. Lavelle, have agreed to execute and comply fully with the terms and provisions of the Transition Agreement; and 

WHEREAS, the Transition Agreement provides that I, Michael P. Lavelle, will execute and comply fully with the terms and conditions of the Executive
General Release herein; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the Discretionary Severance Benefits and the Company General
Release to be provided to me by the Company and other good and valuable consideration to which I am not otherwise entitled, I, Michael P. Lavelle, hereby agree as follows: 
 I, Michael P. Lavelle, for myself and my heirs and assigns, hereby voluntarily, knowingly and irrevocably release and forever discharge the Company and its Affiliates and their respective predecessors,
successors and assigns, and their respective present, former, and future officers, directors, shareholders, partners, principals, participants, investors (including, without limitation, all funds and/or accounts that are owned, controlled, or
affiliated with the following entities: Zazove Associates, LLC, Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., Steel Excel Inc., Wolverine Asset Management, J. Goldman & Co., L.P., L.P., Scoggin LLC and, BulwarkBay
Investment Group LLC), trustees, employees, agents, administrators, representatives, attorneys, members, insurers or fiduciaries, in both their individual and representative capacities, (collectively, the “Company Released Parties”), from
all actions, claims, demands, causes of action, obligations, damages, liabilities, expenses and controversies of any nature and description whatsoever, including attorneys’ fees and costs (collectively, “Claims’’), whether or not
now known, suspected or claimed, which I, Michael P. Lavelle, had, have, or may have, against any of the Company Released Parties from the beginning of time up to and including the date I, Michael P. Lavelle, sign this Executive General Release,
including but not limited to, any Claims that arise out of, relate to or are based on (i) my employment by the Company and/or separation therefrom, including, without limitation, under any federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance
including, without limitation, any having any bearing whatsoever on the terms and conditions of my employment and/or the termination thereof, (ii) statements, acts or omissions by the Company and/or other Company Released Parties,
(iii) express or implied agreements, whether oral or written, between me, Michael P. Lavelle, and the Company and/or other Company Released Parties, including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement and any offers or term sheets;
(iv) any federal, state or local fair employment practices or civil rights laws including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit

 
Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Law, each as may be amended, which, among other things, prohibit discrimination on such bases as race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, family and/or medical leave,
sex/gender, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, genetic information or testing, uniformed or military service, retaliation, whistleblowing, protected activity, mental or physical disability, age, or marital status, (v) common law, public
policy, breach of contract or tort, including, without limitation, Claims for emotional distress, libel, slander or wrongful discharge, or (vi) wages, commissions, bonuses, notice, notice pay, accrued vacation, paid time off or holiday pay,
employee benefits, expenses, equity awards, allowances and any other payments or compensation of any kind whatsoever; provided, however, the foregoing will not (A) prevent me from bringing any claim seeking enforcement of the Transition
Agreement or the Company General Release, (B) release any Claims that may not be waived pursuant to applicable law, (C) prevent me from bringing any future claims, if any, (D) release any rights that I, Michael P. Lavelle, may have to
indemnification under the Company’s organizational documents or under any insurance policy, subject to the respective terms and limitations, providing directors’ and officers’ coverage applicable to me, then existing, for any lawsuit
or claim relating to the period when I, Michael P. Lavelle, was an employee of the Company or (E) release the Parties’ respective continuing rights and/or obligations pursuant to Articles IV, Confidentiality; V, Non-Competition; VI,
Business Idea Rights; VII, Non-Solicitation of Employees; VIII, Employee Disclosures and Acknowledgements; IX, Return of Records; X, Non-Disparagement and XI, Miscellaneous of the Employment Agreement. 

I, Michael P. Lavelle, represent that I have fully complied with my obligation set forth in Article IX, Return of Records, of the Employment Agreement.

 I, Michael P. Lavelle, represent that no charges, complaints or actions of any kind have been filed by me or on my behalf against the Company
or any Company Released Party with any court, agency or other tribunal. 
 I, Michael P. Lavelle, expressly consent that each and all of the
provisions of this Executive General Release shall be given full force and effect with respect to unknown or unsuspected claims, demands and causes of action, if any. 
 I, Michael P. Lavelle, further affirm that no statements, representations or promises have been made to me to influence me to sign this Executive General Release, except as stated in the Transition
Agreement and in this Executive General Release, and that I have signed this Executive General Release of my own free will, relying entirely upon my own judgment, on behalf of myself and each and every one of my dependents, heirs, executors,
administrators, personal and/or legal representatives and assigns. 
 I, Michael P. Lavelle, acknowledge that I may not sign this Agreement
until on or after the Separation Date. 
 I, Michael P. Lavelle, further affirm that I have read this Executive General Release and have had up
to twenty-one (21) days to consider its terms and effects and to ask any questions that I may have of anyone (including legal counsel of my own choosing), that I have consulted with my own counsel, Joyce Ackerbaum Cox, of the firm of Baker
Hostetler, and that I have signed this Executive General Release knowingly, voluntarily and with full understanding of its terms and effects. 

 I, Michael P. Lavelle further acknowledge that I have been advised that I may revoke this Executive General
Release within seven (7) days of execution (the “Revocation Period”). I also understand that this Executive General Release will not become effective if I exercise my right to revoke my signature within the Revocation Period by hand
delivering or sending via overnight mail a written notice of revocation to the Company as set forth in Section 11.1 of Employment Agreement, as amended by the Transition Agreement. I also understand that if I do not revoke this Executive
General Release within the Revocation Period, this Executive General Release shall become final and binding and I shall have no further right of revocation. 
 I, Michael P. Lavelle, further affirm that no fact, evidence, event or transaction currently unknown to me but which hereafter may become known to me shall affect in any way or manner the final and
unconditional nature of this Executive General Release. 
 [Remainder of Page Blank] 

 This Executive General Release will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Wisconsin. If any provision in this Executive General Release is held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall be construed as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included. A signature transmitted by
facsimile or electronically in the form of a PDF file is deemed to be an original. 
 Acknowledged and Agreed: 

 

                         
                                         
   
 Michael P. Lavelle 

 STATE OF
                                    ) 

                         
                               ):ss.: 
 COUNTY OF
                                ) 

On the      day of
                        , 2013, before me personally appeared Michael P. Lavelle, to me known and known to me to be the
individual described in, and who duly acknowledged to me that he executed the foregoing Executive General Release. 
  
                                  
                                    

Notary Public 

 EXHIBIT B 
 COMPANY RELEASE 
 WHEREAS, Michael P. Lavelle (“Executive”), on the one hand, and School
Specialty, Inc. (the “Company”), on the other hand, entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement and Mutual General Release, dated July 22, 2013 (the “Transition Agreement”) in connection with Executive’s
separation from employment with the Company; 
 WHEREAS, as consideration for Executive performing certain of the obligations as provided in the
Transition Agreement and executing the Executive General Release (capitalized words used, but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Employment Agreement or Transition Agreement), the Company has agreed to execute and
comply fully with the terms and provisions of the Transition Agreement; and 
 WHEREAS, the Transition Agreement provides that, upon Executive
General Release executed and delivered to the Company becoming effective and irrevocable, the Company will execute and comply fully with the terms and conditions of the Company General Release herein; 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Executive General Release executed by Executive, upon the Executive General Release becoming effective when
Executive signs it and does not revoke it as provided in the Executive General Release, the Company, agrees as follows: 
 The Company hereby
voluntarily, knowingly, irrevocably and unconditionally releases and forever discharges Executive, his heirs, executors, trustees, legal representatives, agents, administrators and assigns (“Executive Released Parties”), from any and all
Claims, whether or not now known, suspected or claimed, which the Company had, has, or may have, against any of the Executive Released Parties from the beginning of time up to and including the date Executive signs the Executive General Release
which arise out of, relate to or are based on (i) Executive’s employment by the Company and/or separation therefrom; (ii) statements, acts or omissions by Executive and/or other Executive Released Parties; (iii) express or
implied agreements, whether oral or written, between Executive and the Company and/or other Executive Released Parties, including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement and any offers or term sheets; or (iv) common law, public policy,
breach of contract or tort, including, without limitation, Claims for emotional distress, libel, slander or wrongful discharge; provided, however, the foregoing will not (A) prevent the Company from bringing any claim seeking enforcement of the
Transition Agreement or the Executive General Release, (B) release any Claims that may not be waived pursuant to applicable law, (C) prevent the Company from bringing any future claims, if any, (D) release the Parties’ respective
continuing rights and/or obligations pursuant to Articles IV, Confidentiality; V, Non-Competition; VI, Business Idea Rights; VII, Non-Solicitation of Employees; VIII, Employee Disclosures and Acknowledgements; IX, Return of Records;
X, Non-Disparagement and XI, Miscellaneous of the Employment Agreement or (E) release Claims against Executive arising out of acts of illegal conduct or fraud committed by Executive in relation to the Company or any of its Affiliates or
any Company Released Party. 

 The Company represents that no charges, complaints or actions of any kind have been filed by it or on its
behalf against Executive or any Executive Released Party with any court, agency or other tribunal. 
 The Company expressly consents that each
and all of the provisions of this Company General Release shall be given full force and effect with respect to unknown or unsuspected claims, demands and causes of action, if any. 
 The Company further affirms that no statements, representations or promises have been made to influence it to sign this Company General Release, except as stated in the Transition Agreement and in this
Company General Release, and that the Company has signed this Company General Release of its own free will, relying entirely upon its own judgment. 
 The Company further affirms that no fact, evidence, event or transaction currently unknown to it but which hereafter may become known to it shall affect in any way or manner the final and unconditional
nature of this Company General Release. 
 This Company General Release will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. If any provision in this Company General Release is held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall be construed as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included. A signature
transmitted by facsimile or electronically in the form of a PDF file is deemed to be an original. 
 SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC. 

By:
                                         
                                         
               
 Name/Title 

Date:
                                 

 STATE OF
                                    ) 

                         
                               ):ss.: 
 COUNTY OF
                                ) 

On the      day of
                        , 2013, before me personally came
                         to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did acknowledge that he is the
                         of SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC., the organization described in the Company General Release, and that he
signed the foregoing Company General Release on its behalf; and that he was duly authorized by that organization to sign the foregoing Company General Release on its behalf. 

 

                         
                                         
   
 Notary PublicEX-10.9

 Exhibit 10.9 
 SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC. 
 July 20, 2013 

James R. Henderson 
 School Specialty, Inc.

 P.O. Box 1579 
 Appleton, WI
54912-1579 
 Dear Jim: 
 This letter
sets forth the agreement (“Agreement”) between School Specialty, Inc. (the “Company”) and James R. Henderson (“Consultant”) regarding certain consulting services. 

1. Engagement. Effective July 22, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), Mr. Henderson, the Chairman of the
Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), will also be engaged by the Company as a consultant pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, during the Consulting Period (as defined below), Consultant will not receive
any cash compensation or other Board fees, but will receive equity, if any, granted to Board members, subject to the terms and limitations of any such equity grant or arrangement. Subject to their respective terms and limitations, Consultant will be
indemnified under the Company’s organizational documents or under any insurance policy providing directors’ and officers’ coverage applicable to Consultant, then existing, for any lawsuit or claim relating to the Consulting Period. In
the event that Consultant is not covered by the Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance, Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effectuate such coverage. 

2. Consulting Period. Consultant’s engagement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until the Company hires
a new Chief Executive Officer (the “Consulting Period”) at which time this Agreement shall automatically terminate, unless terminated sooner as provided herein. 
 3. Consulting Services. During the Consulting Period, Consultant initially will work with Michael P. Lavelle (“Mr. Lavelle”), the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, who
has tendered his resignation from the Company effective August 2, 2013, to effect an orderly transition of Mr. Lavelle’s duties and responsibilities. Immediately upon Mr. Lavelle’s resignation becoming effective, Consultant
will serve as Executive Chairman and full-time Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In such capacity, Consultant shall report to the Board, 
 4. exercise all of the duties and responsibilities customarily performed by a chief executive officer and such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to Consultant from time to time by the
Board. In addition, Consultant shall, as requested, advise and assist the Company’s Search Committee in its efforts to identify and select a new full-time Chief Executive Officer (the “Consulting Services”). 

5. Consulting Fee. As full and complete compensation for the Consulting Services, the Consultant will be paid a fee in the amount
of $60,000 for each 30-day period (or part thereof) that he provides services hereunder (the “Services Fee”). This means that if Consultant provides services hereunder for a portion of any 30-day period, then Consultant will receive the
Services Fee for such entire 30-day period. Consultant will bill the Company for the Services Fee by invoice on the first day of each month and the Company will pay each invoice in full by the 15th day of each month. The Company will issue an
Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 with respect to the Services Fees, as may be appropriate. 

 6. Taxes; Related Matters. Consultant shall be solely responsible for the payment of
any federal, state and local taxes, including without limitation, income tax withholding and social security taxes, in any way related to the Services Fee, as well as for obtaining unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation coverage,
liability insurance, health and/or disability insurance, retirement benefits or other welfare or pension benefits. 
 7.
Expenses. The Company will reimburse Consultant for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred in connection with the Consulting Services. Consultant shall provide to the Company reasonable documentation and such other
information as the Company deems appropriate evidencing the nature of each such expense. 
 8. Independent Contractor.
Consultant and the Company intend and agree that Consultant shall be an independent contractor and that nothing in this Agreement or otherwise will be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of employer and employee,
partnership, or joint venture between Consultant and the Company. This means, among other things, that Consultant is not eligible to receive salary and benefits that the Company provides to its employees. Consultant will not be engaged by the
Company on an exclusive basis; however, during the Consulting Period, Consultant will devote sufficient time, including at the Company’s offices, to perform the Consulting Services. To that end, Consultant has disclosed his existing commitments
and clients to the Board and will not provide services for new clients during the Consulting Period, without the prior approval of the Board. The Company will not control and will have no right to control the exact manner, precise means or exact
method by which Consultant performs the Consulting Services. However, consistent with Consultant’s status as an independent contractor, the Company has the right to exercise broad general supervision over the results to be derived from the
Consulting Services, including, without limitation, the right to (i) make suggestions or recommendations about the performance of the Consulting Services, (ii) limit or modify the nature and scope of the Consulting Services and
(iii) determine the date by which aspects of the Consulting Services will be completed. 
 9. Confidential
Information. During the Consulting Period, Consultant will have access to or become familiar with confidential, proprietary and/or non-public information related to the Company and/or its activities (“Confidential Information”).
Consultant agrees not to use or disclose any Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, either during the Consulting Period or any time thereafter, except as required (i) in the performance of the Consulting Services or
Mr. Henderson’s services as a Director, or (ii) by law or by a court or governmental agency, in which case Consultant will give the Company prompt and timely written notice to permit the Company to exercise whatever rights it may
have, and will cooperate with the Company and its attorneys if it elects to contest such legal process. Furthermore, Consultant agrees that upon ceasing to perform the Consulting Services (or Mr. Henderson’s services as a Director),
Consultant (and Mr. Henderson) will return any documents, materials or data (and all copies of such documents, materials or data) containing Confidential Information to the Company. Consultant also agrees to enter into a stand-alone
Confidentiality Agreement, as may be directed by the Company. 
 10. Work Product. Consultant agrees that all copyrights,
patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights associated with any ideas, concepts, techniques, inventions, processes or works of authorship developed or created by Consultant in the performance of the Consulting Services (“Work
Product”) will belong exclusively to the Company and will, to the extent possible, be considered a “work made for hire.” However, if the Work Product is not deemed a “work made for hire,” Consultant hereby automatically
assigns to the Company throughout the universe in perpetuity, without any requirement of further remuneration, any right, title or interest Consultant may have in the Work Product, including all intellectual property rights pertaining thereto. Upon
the request of the Company, Consultant will take such further actions as may be appropriate to give full and proper effect to any such assignment. In addition, Consultant acknowledges that Company may use, exploit, distribute, reproduce, advertise,
promote, publicize, modify or edit the Work Product or combine the Work Product with other works, in the Company’s sole discretion, in any format or medium hereafter devised. 

 11. Non-Solicitation. Consultant agrees that beginning on the date that he executes
this Agreement and continuing through 12 months after the last date of Consultant’s engagement hereunder (regardless of the reason why he ceases to perform services for the Company), Consultant will not: (i) solicit for employment, engage
and/or hire, whether directly or indirectly, any individual who is then, or has been in the preceding 12-month period, employed or engaged as an independent contractor or a consultant by the Company; or (ii) solicit for business, contract with
or do business with any individual or entity, whether directly or indirectly, who is then, or has been in the preceding 12-month period, either (A) a customer of the Company or (B) solicited for business by the Company; provided, however,
the non-solicitation restriction set forth in subsection (i) hereof shall not apply to any independent contractor or consultant with whom Consultant had a relationship prior to the Consulting Period and who was introduced to the Company by
Consultant. 
 12. Early Termination. The Company or Consultant may terminate this Agreement for any reason at any time
upon 15 days’ prior written notice to the other (or in the case of the Company, continue to pay the Services Fee in lieu of such notice). Thereafter, Consultant shall not be entitled to receive any additional payments from the Company pursuant
to this Agreement. 
 13. Miscellaneous. This Agreement is the entire agreement between Consultant and the Company
regarding its subject matter and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings. Consultant will not assign, transfer, or subcontract this Agreement or any of his obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company. The
parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, those rights and obligations contained in Section 8, 9 and 10, shall survive any termination of this Agreement and/or Consultant ceasing to perform
services for Company (regardless of the reason why he ceases to perform services for the Company). In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Consultant, of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 8, 9 or 10, then the
Company shall have no adequate remedy at law and may seek an injunction, without posting a bond and without proof of actual damages, and such other relief as may be deemed just and proper. The headings used in this Agreement are intended only for
convenience of reference and shall not be used to amplify, limit, modify (or otherwise be used in the interpretation of) the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a document signed by the parties and referring
explicitly hereto. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by portable document format (pdf), each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall be considered one and the same instrument. The
validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the principles of comity or conflicts of laws. Each party hereto agrees to submit to the exclusive personal
jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts in New York, New York, for resolution of all disputes and causes of action arising out of this Agreement. The parties intend that any compensation, benefits and other amounts payable or provided
to Consultant under this Agreement be paid or provided in a manner that is either exempt from, or in compliance with, Section 409A of the of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time and related rules, regulations and
Treasury pronouncements (together, “Section 409A”). Any ambiguity in this Agreement shall be interpreted with the foregoing. Consultant acknowledges that the Company has made no representations as to the treatment of the compensation
provided hereunder and Consultant has been advised to obtain his own tax advice. To the extent that the reimbursement of any expenses or the provision of any in-kind benefits pursuant to this Agreement is subject to Section 409A, (i) the
amount of such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided hereunder during any one calendar year shall not affect the amount of such expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided hereunder in any
other calendar year; (ii) all such expenses eligible for reimbursement hereunder shall be paid to Consultant as soon as administratively 

 
practicable after any documentation required for reimbursement for such expenses has been submitted, but in any event by no later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar
year in which such expenses were incurred; and (iii) Consultant’s right to receive any such reimbursements or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit. 

If the foregoing accurately sets forth our understanding, please arrange for the appropriate signature in the space indicated below. 

 

			
	 Sincerely,
  

School Specialty, Inc.

		
	By:	 	/s/ Michael P. Lavelle
		 	 Name: Michael P. Lavelle

Title: President & CEO

  
 ACCEPTED AND AGREED 

this 22 day of July 2013 
 /s/
James R. Henderson 
 James R. Henderson

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