Scrip

Frequently Asked Questions

What is scrip?

Scrip is basically a gift certificate or coupon.  It is exchangeable at face value as cash from the issuing store.

Does it cost me anything to but scrip?

No.  The net cost to you is nothing.  If you buy $10 worth of scrip for Kroger, for example, it costs you $10 and you receive $10 worth of goods for the scrip.

What does CTA get out of this?

Each participating vendor contributes a percentage of the face value of the scrip to our school.  The percentages vary by store, from a low of 4% or 5% from grocery stores to up to 25% from specialty stores.  For example, Bexley Kosher Market is donating 5% of their scrip sales to CTA.  If you buy $100 of scrip, Bexley Kosher Market will donate $5 to CTA.

Who should buy scrip?

Anyone who shops at one of the participating stores.  This is not a program that is limited to CTA families.

How can I purchase scrip?

Scrip is available daily from Sara Shatz at the CTA office and may be purchased anytime during normal school hours.  Grocery scrip may also be purchased from Monica Calabrese (call school for details).  If you are unable to come to the school, home delivery may also be arranged by calling the CTA office (864-0299) and speaking to Susan Rosen or Sara Shatz.

Can I use my credit card to buy grocery store scrip?

The percentage donation (5%) from some vendors (Bexley Kosher Market, JC Penney, Kroger, Super Duper, Meijer, and Broadmoor) is very low.  To process a credit transaction CTA has to pay 2% of the purchase price to the credit card company.  For your convenience, we will accept credit card payments for scrip, but we will add 2% to your credit card account to cover this charge.

Why can't there be just one type of scrip usable at all participating stores?

This is not our scrip program; this is a national program from which we are benefiting.  The stores that are being generous enough to offer their donations have set up the process this way as part of their national programs.  We do not have any way to dictate to them how this program should work.  We can (and do!), however, benefit from it.

Can I get change from my scrip?

The change policy varies from store to store.  A limited amount of change is sometimes allowed, based on the face value of the certificate.  Since most scrip comes in increments of $10, you should be able to limit the amount of change needed.

Can I pay off my charge account with scrip?

This policy also varies from store to store.  At this time, Bexley Kosher Market and JCPenney will allow you to pay off a charge account balance with scrip.

Why can't we do this the way they do in _______ (fill in city name)?

This is the way we have defined the process at CTA given the parameters of the national scrip program.  If you have any suggestions on how we can improve CTA's use of the program, please feel free to call Tova Hauser, PTO president.

Do I have to participate?

The CTA Board has requested that all CTA families participate with a minimum goal of $5,000 (purchased or sold) per family over the course of the academic year.  If you sell scrip to your neighbors, friends, of family, it is credited to your scrip account.  Remember, the $5,000 does not have to be purchased all at once.

What happens if I don't participate or my family doesn't mid the goal?

If you choose not to participate in this program you will be assessed a fee of $500.00.  If your family participates in the program but does not meet the goal of $5,000, you will be assessed at 10% of the deficit amount (e.g. if you buy $4,000 in scrip your shortfall is $1,000 and your assessment will be $100).  This assessment is a CTA Board policy decision.