wfn.org | Curriculum Publishing Releases Positive 1996 Sales Figures

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

5-March-1997 
97111 
 
    Curriculum Publishing Releases Positive 1996 Sales Figures 
 
                         by Julian Shipp 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Curriculum Publishing PC(USA) of the Congregational 
Ministries Division (CMD) has released  sales figures that show a 3.5 
percent increase over anticipated receipts and orders for spring materials 
that are also running slightly higher than expected. 
 
     According to the Rev. Eunice Poethig, CMD director, this means 
congregations using Bible Discovery and Celebrate curriculum, Spanish and 
Korean resources and other denomination educational resources are 
"responding positively" to Curriculum Publishing PC(USA) efforts. 
 
     "Sales figures are important because Curriculum Publishing has to be 
self-supporting," Poethig said.  "In fact," she added, "proceeds from the 
sale of our curriculum and other educational resources have made it 
possible to produce educational materials which are mandated by the General 
Assembly, but which will not support themselves, and to provide educational 
services to the church." 
 
     One year ago, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), which was 
publishing and marketing  the denomination's curriculum at the time, 
predicted curriculum sales would decline sharply and produce a deficit of 
almost $1 million by 1997.  By contractual agreement between PPC and the 
General Assembly Council (GAC), this loss would be evenly split between the 
two entities.  This dire prediction precipitated negotiations that led the 
208th General Assembly (1996) to transfer responsibility for  Bible 
Discovery, Celebrate and all other denominational curriculum to the GAC. 
 
     GAC analyses indicating that if the GAC produced the curriculum, 
losses could be reduced in 1996 and 1997 and curriculum sales would break 
even in 1998, have so far proved to be correct.  Losses of $429,034 were 
incurred from January through July 22, 1996, while curriculum was lodged in 
PPC. But since July 2, 1996, when the GAC assumed curriculum 
responsibility, curriculum sales have picked up to achieve the 3.5 percent 
gain for the year. 
 
     One reason for the improved outlook, according to CMD officials, is 
that costs have also been held in check. Curriculum Publishing PC(USA) 
showed a surplus for the period July 22 through Dec.  31, 1996, except for 
a payment equal to 13.5 percent of sales during the period to PPC as part 
of the transition agreement.  The payment covers curriculum development 
costs PPC incurred prior to the transition. 
 
     Curriculum sales underwrite a number of services Curriculum Publishing 
PC(USA)  provides congregations.  These services include the Curriculum 
Helpline in Louisville and numerous workshops Curriculum Publishing PC(USA) 
staff conduct with Presbyterian synods and presbyteries, their network of 
curriculum advocates and the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators. 
 
     "Our job is not just to produce educational resources," said Donna 
Blackstock, associate director of Curriculum Publishing PC(USA), "but also 
to provide support for leaders and teachers."    

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