New York, NY (February 2, 2004) -- Klutz, the leading creator of innovative activity products for kids, announces the appointments of Steve Pease to Vice President and General Manager, and DeWitt Durham to Vice President of Production and Product Development. Klutz is a division of Scholastic, the global children's publishing and distribution company. The company was acquired by Scholastic in April 2002. Both Pease and Durham will continue to be based out of the Klutz office in Palo Alto, California, under the direction of John Cassidy, Co-founder of Klutz.
 
“Scholastic is pleased to announce the promotions of seasoned executives at Klutz,” stated Ed Monagle, Senior VP of Finance and Operation at Scholastic. “Both Pease and Durham bring a wealth of experience to their new roles and are integral to the expansion of the Klutz brand in the retail market and throughout Scholastic.”
 
Steve Pease joined Klutz in December 2001, in the role of Vice President of Finance and Operations, and played a key role in the acquisition of the company by Scholastic. In his new role, Pease will work closely with John Cassidy, the Co-founder of Klutz, and the management team, to develop plans and strategies to build the Klutz brand in the retail market, and to further leverage the Klutz products through Scholastic's broad distribution network of school-based book clubs and book fairs around the world. Pease will oversee the areas of sales, marketing, production, IT, Human Resources, and the fulfillment functions at Klutz. He will report to Ed Monagle, Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations at Scholastic Book Group.
 
DeWitt Durham has been with Klutz since 1988, and has been responsible for managing purchasing, manufacturing, inventory, and quality control. In his new position, he will also assume responsibility for the Art group and international sales through Scholastic's international distribution channels. Durham will report directly to Steve Pease at Klutz.
 
About Klutz
Based in Palo Alto, California, Klutz is the creator of kid's activity products including books, kits, and other kids' stuff that stimulate their growth through creativity. Klutz's products combine clear instructions with everything you need to give kids a hands-on learning experience that ranges from the artistic to the scientific, and beyond. Founded in 1977, Klutz has been engaging kids for more than 25 years with such popular products as Cat's Cradle, Face Painting, Friendship Bracelets, Juggling for the Complete Klutz, and The Solar Car Book. Today, more than 150 Klutz products are sold in book, toy and gift stores worldwide. The award-winning Klutz Book Factory, a build-your-own-book experience designed for students, teachers and parents, can be found in select children's museums, libraries and hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Klutz is a division of Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and the creator of quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home.

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