Document:

exv10w26

Exhibit 10.26

April 9, 2009

Ron Klausner

Re: Employment Terms

Dear Ron:

Your agreement dated May 7, 2007 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to reflect your
continued employment with Voyager Learning Company (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used in this
letter and not otherwise defined herein are defined in Exhibit A.

	1.	 	Salary

During your employment with the Company, you will be paid a base salary (“Base Salary”) of
$20,656.73 bi-weekly ($537,075.00 if annualized), payable in accordance with the regular
payroll practices of the Company. Your “Regular Salary” includes your Base Salary plus
another $20,800.00 annualized, for a total Regular Salary of $557,875.00. You acknowledge
and understand that all calculations for annual bonus, merit pay, severance, company paid
disability, 401(k) match and any other benefit or compensation plan or program sponsored or
maintained by the Company or its affiliates will utilize your Base Salary and not your
Regular Salary.

	2.	 	2009 Bonus

	 	(a)	 	You will be able to participate in the Company’s 2009 Financial Bonus Plan, as
such plan may be amended from time to time. Your target bonus opportunity for 2009 is
70% of Base Salary. Your minimum bonus for this year is 0% and maximum bonus is 200%,
if performance targets are exceeded in accordance with the terms of the 2009 Financial
Bonus Plan. In no event will you be entitled to earn an annual bonus in excess of 200%
of target. You will separately be receiving a letter setting forth your performance
goals for 2009 under the 2009 Financial Bonus Plan. Should you remain employed with
the Company through December 31, 2009, payment under the terms of this bonus plan will
be made no later than March 14, 2010.

 

 

 

	 	(b)	 	In the event that the Company terminates your employment without Cause or you
terminate employment for Good Reason, you will be entitled to a pro-rata portion of
your annual bonus for the year in which your termination occurs, payable at the time
that annual bonuses are paid to other senior executives, but no later than March 14 of
the following year (determined by multiplying the amount you would have received based
upon actual performance had your employment continued through the end of such year by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the year of termination
that you are employed by the Company and the denominator of which is 365). If a Change
of Control of the Company occurs in 2009 and you do not voluntarily terminate your
employment for at least six months after the Change of Control of the Company, you
will be paid 200% of your 2009 target bonus promptly following such six-month
anniversary of the Change of Control of the Company. The amount of your 2009
performance bonus, if any, will be reduced by the bonus described in the preceding
sentence.

	 	(c)	 	With respect to calendar years after 2009, if you remain employed by the
Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s then current annual bonus
plan, in accordance with the terms of such plan.

	3.	 	Benefits

During your employment with the Company, you will be entitled to participate in the employee
retirement and welfare benefit plans and programs set forth in Exhibit C, in accordance with
the terms and conditions of such programs as in effect from time to time.

	4.	 	Severance and Change on Control Protection

	 	(a)	 	Subject to Section 6 below, you will be entitled to the following benefits
under this Section 4 upon the earlier of (i) the sixth month anniversary of a 409A
Change of Control of the Company provided you have not voluntarily terminated your
employment or been terminated by the Company for Cause before such sixth month
anniversary or (ii) the date the Company terminates your employment without Cause or
you resign for Good Reason at any time during a two year period beginning on a Change
of Control of the Company or an Acquisition of at Least 30% of the Company’s
Outstanding Voting Stock and Board Change: a single lump sum payment in an amount
equal to the sum of (i) 150% of your then current Base Salary and (ii) an amount equal
to any accrued but unused vacation days, with such payments commencing on the earliest
payroll date that does not result in adverse tax consequences to you under Section 409A
of the Code.

 

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	 	(b)	 	In addition, if the Company terminates your employment without Cause or you
resign for Good Reason at any time during a two year period beginning on a Change of
Control of the Company or an Acquisition of at Least 30% of the Company’s Outstanding
Voting Stock and Board Change, you are entitled, subject to your continued co-payment
of premiums, continued participation for eighteen months in all medical, dental and
vision plans which cover you (and eligible dependents) upon the same terms and
conditions (except for the requirements of
your continued employment) in effect for active employees of the Company. If you
obtain other employment that offers substantially similar or improved benefits, as
to any particular medical, dental or vision plan, such continuation of coverage by
the Company for such similar or improved benefit under such plan under this Section
4(b) will immediately cease. The continuation of health benefits under this
subparagraph shall reduce and count against your rights under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended. To the extent that such
post-employment coverage cannot be provided under any such plan, the Company, at its
election, will either (i) arrange to make available to you coverage through an
insured arrangement that provides benefits substantially similar and on the same
terms and conditions to those provided under such plan, or (ii) pay such benefits as
described in (i) above directly. The obligations of the Company to provide any
alternative coverage described in the preceding sentence are expressly conditional
on you taking all reasonable actions and providing all reasonable information, as
the Company shall request, as is necessary for it to fulfill such obligations.

	5.	 	Regular Severance Benefits

	 	(a)	 	Subject to Section 6 below, you shall be entitled to regular severance benefits
under Section 5(c) below if: (1) the Company terminates your employment without Cause
or you resign for Good Reason at any time before a Change of Control of the Company or
an Acquisition of at Least 30% of the Company’s Outstanding Voting Stock and Board
Change and (2) you neither are entitled to nor received benefits under Section 4.
Under no circumstances shall you receive benefits under both Section 4 and Section 5 of
this Agreement.

	 	(b)	 	You will be considered to be entitled to enhanced severance benefits under
Section 4 above if your employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company without
Cause, or you resign for Good Reason prior to such date, and such termination of
employment or change in the terms of your employment occurs within the 60 day period
prior to a definitive purchase or acquisition agreement that results in a Change of
Control of the Company.

	 	(c)	 	The severance benefits payable under Section 5(a) shall be the same in all
respects as under Section 4(a) and 4(b) above, except that: (i) 100% shall be used in
lieu of 150% in Section 4(a), and (ii) the period of continued participation in
medical, dental and vision plans described in Section 4(b) shall be twelve months
instead of eighteen months.

 

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	6.	 	Conditions to Receiving Severance Benefits

Benefits payable under this Agreement shall be in lieu of any other severance benefits that
you may have otherwise been eligible to receive from the Company or its affiliates under the
Company Separation Benefits Plan or otherwise. If you terminate employment in a manner
entitling you to benefits under either Section 4 or 5 above and your death occurs before
full payment of such benefits, any amount remaining to be paid shall be
paid to your surviving spouse, or, if none, to your estate. You must sign a release
agreement in substantially the same form as attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement to
receive the benefits. The benefits under Section 4 or Section 5 of this Agreement will
commence as soon as reasonably practicable after the termination of the revocation period
provided in the release agreement. You shall not be required to seek other employment to
mitigate damages, and any income earned by you from other employment or self-employment
shall not be offset against any obligations of the Company to you under this Agreement.

	7.	 	Tax Payments

	 	(a)	 	Your rights to receive a tax gross-up payment for golden parachute excise taxes
under the Multi-Year Stock Option Grant dated February 4, 2004 survives whether or not
such Multi-Year Stock Option Grant is terminated and you are entitled to such
tax-gross-up rights, including those set forth in the Appendix to the Multi-Year Stock
Option Grant. For purposes of this Section, the following specialized terms will have
the following meanings:

	 	(1)	 	“Base Period Income” “Base Period Income” is an amount
equal to your “annualized includable compensation” for the “base period” as
defined in Sections 280G(d)(1) and (2) of the Code and the regulations
thereunder. Generally, your “annualized includable compensation” is the
average of your annual taxable income from the Company for the “base period,”
which is the five calendar years prior to the year in which a “change of
ownership or control,” as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, occurs.
These concepts are complicated and technical and all of the rules set forth in
the applicable regulations apply for purposes of this Agreement.

	 	(2)	 	“280G Cap” “280G Cap” means an amount equal to 3 times
your “Base Period Income,” less $1,000.00. This is the maximum amount which
you may receive without becoming subject to the excise tax imposed by Section
4999 of the Code.

	 	(3)	 	“Total Payments” The “Total Payments” include any
“payments in the nature of compensation” (as defined in Section 280G of the
Code and the regulations thereunder), made under this Agreement or otherwise,
to or for your benefit, the receipt of which is contingent on a change of
control and to which Section 280G of the Code applies.

	 	(b)	 	The Company will, at its expense, retain a “Consultant” (which shall be a law
firm, a certified public accounting firm, and/or a firm of recognized executive
compensation consultants selected by the Company and mutually agreeable to the Company
and you) to provide an opinion concerning whether your Total Payments exceed the 280G
Cap. The Company will select the Consultant. The opinion required by this Section
shall set forth the amount of your Base Period
Income, the present value of the Total Payments and the amount and present value of
any excess parachute payments.

 

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	8.	 	Successors and Assigns

This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor or assign of the Company, including any
entity that (whether directly or indirectly, by purchase, merger, reorganization,
consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation or otherwise) is the survivor
of the Company or that acquires the Company and/or substantially all the assets of the
Company in accordance with the operation of law, and such successor entity shall be deemed
to be “the Company” for purposes of this Agreement (except for purposes of determining
whether there has been a Change of Control of the Company or an Acquisition of at Least 30%
of the Company’s Outstanding Voting Stock and Board Change). This Section will continue to
apply in the event of any subsequent merger or consolidation or transfer of assets.

	9.	 	Company Right to Recover Payments Under This Agreement

You hereby agree that, if it is ever determined by the Company that any action, or inaction
by you constituted grounds for termination for Cause, then the Company may recover all of
any award or payment made to you pursuant to this Agreement, and you agree to repay and
return any such award or payment to the Company. The Company may, in its sole discretion,
affect any such recovery by (i) obtaining repayment directly from you; (ii) setting off the
amount owed to it against any amount or award that would otherwise be payable by the Company
to you, or (iii) any combination of (i) and (ii) above.

	10.	 	At-Will Employment

This Agreement does not change the at-will nature of your employment relationship with the
Company.

	11.	 	Withholding

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state,
local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or
regulation.

 

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	12.	 	Section 409A

The payments pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be exempt from or, comply
with, the requirements of Section 409A and this Agreement is intended to be
interpreted and operated accordingly to the fullest extent possible; provided,
however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement in no event
shall the Company be liable to you for or with respect to any taxes, penalties or
interest which may be imposed upon you pursuant to Section 409A. Without
limitation on the foregoing, the cash in lieu of SERP described in Exhibit C is
intended to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A as a short-term
deferral payment. In accordance with the preceding sentences, the date on which a
“separation from service” pursuant to Section 409A (“Separation from Service”)
occurs shall be treated as the termination of employment date for purposes of
determining the timing of payments under this Agreement to the extent necessary to
have such payments under this Agreement be exempt from the requirements of Section
409A or comply with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that any
payments pursuant to this Agreement constitute “deferral of compensation” subject to
Section 409A (after taking into account to the maximum extent possible any
applicable exemptions) (a “409A Payment”) treated as payable upon Separation from
Service, then, if you are a “Specified Employee” pursuant to Section 409A on the
date of your Separation from Service, then to the extent required for you not to
incur additional taxes pursuant to Section 409A, no such 409A Payment shall be made
before the earlier of (i) 6 months after your Separation from Service; or (ii) the
date of your death. Should the preceding sentence result in payments to you at a
later time than otherwise would have been made under this letter, on the first day
any such payments may be made without incurring additional tax pursuant to Section
409A (“409A Payment Date”), the Company shall make such payments provided that any
amounts that would have been paid earlier but for the application of this Section 12
shall be paid in a lump sum on the 409A Payment Date together with, subject to the
following sentence, accrued interest at the earnings rate (but not below 0) of any
rabbi trust containing your severance amounts (“Rabbi Trust”). To the extent
administratively feasible, you shall be entitled to direct the investment of the
portion of the assets in the Rabbi Trust attributable to the amount you are entitled
to under this Agreement for which payment is delayed because of Section 409A and to
the extent you exercise this discretion, instead of being entitled to the amount
delayed because of Section 409A with accrued interest at the earnings rate of the
Rabbi Trust you shall be entitled to the amount delayed because of Section 409A
adjusted by earnings and losses attributable to your investment direction. For
purposes of Section 409A, each payment installment shall be treated as a separate
payment. To the extent required for payments under this Agreement to comply with or
be exempt from Code Section 409A (with the intention to comply with Treasury
Regulation §1.409A-3(d) with the treatment of the 38th day after termination of
employment as the designated payment date), payments shall be made no sooner than
the 8th day after termination of employment nor later than the 38th day after
termination of employment based on when the release required by Section 6 is
executed and becomes non-revocable and if such 30-day period spans two calendar
years, payment shall be made in the later calendar year. The parties agree to
cooperate to minimize the impact of Section 409A without materially changing the
economic value of this Agreement to either party.

	13.	 	Indemnification

The Company shall indemnify you to the same extent that its officers, directors and
employees are entitled to indemnification as of the date hereof pursuant to the Company’s
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for any acts or omissions by reason of being a
director, officer or employee of the Company.

 

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	14.	 	Cooperation

You agree to reasonably cooperate with the Company and its affiliates during your employment
and thereafter in any internal investigation, any administrative, regulatory or judicial
investigation or proceeding or any dispute with a third party as reasonably requested by the
Company (including, without limitation, your being available to the Company upon reasonable
notice and at reasonable times for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the
Company’s request upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times to give testimony without
requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process, delivering to the Company requested
information and relevant documents which are or may come into your possession, all at times
and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with your other permitted activities and
commitments). The obligations under this Section shall survive expiration of your
employment with the Company. If your cooperation under this Section is requested after your
termination of employment, the Company shall (i) provide you reasonable advance notice after
giving due consideration to your then current employment obligations, and (ii) reimburse you
for all reasonable travel expenses and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses upon
submission of receipts.

	15.	 	Entire Agreement: Modification

This Agreement contains the entire agreement between you and the Company concerning the
matters set forth herein and supersedes any other discussions, agreements, representations
or warranties of any kind with regard to these matters. You acknowledge that this Agreement
supercedes your offer letter agreements with the Company dated March 9, 2003, March 14,
2003, September 20, 2005 and May 7, 2007. Any modification of this Agreement will only be
effective if done in writing and signed by you and the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. If for any reason any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, that
invalidity will not affect the remainder of this Agreement.

	16.	 	Non-Compete Agreement

By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that (a) the Employee Confidentiality and
Restrictive Covenant Agreement dated April 2, 2003 between you and the Company (the
“Non-Compete Agreement”) remains a valid and binding agreement and (b) the Non-Compete
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company.

	17.	 	Survival of Terms

The provisions of Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16 and the other provisions of this Agreement
which by their terms contemplate survival of the termination of this Agreement, shall
survive expiration of this Agreement and/or your employment with the Company and be deemed
to be independent covenants.

 

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	18.	 	Acknowledgment

You acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to fully discuss and review the terms of
this Agreement with an attorney of your own choosing. You further acknowledge that
you have carefully read this Agreement, understand its contents and freely and voluntarily
assent to all of its terms and conditions, and sign your name of your own free act.

	19.	 	Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of Michigan (excluding conflicts of laws).

We hope that these adjustments to your compensation reinforce the degree to which you are valued by
the Company. Please review this Agreement carefully and, if it correctly states our agreement,
sign and return to me the enclosed copy.

	 	 	 
	Best regards,
	 	 
	 
	/s/ Richard Surratt
	 	 
	 

Richard Surratt 

President and Chief Executive Officer the Company

	 	 
	 
	 	 
	Read, accepted and agreed to this 9th day of April 2009
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	/s/ Ron Klausner
	 	 
	 

Ron Klausner

	 	 

 

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Exhibit A

DEFINITIONS

Acquisition of at Least 30% of the Company’s Outstanding Voting Stock and Board Change
An “Acquisition of at Least 30% of the Company’s Outstanding Voting Stock and Board Change” shall
occur if:

	(a)	 	any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding
securities after the date hereof (other than the Company, its subsidiaries or any employee
benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries; and, for purposes of the Agreement, no Change
of Control of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of the “beneficial
ownership,” or changes therein, of the Company’s securities by either of the foregoing) and,

	(b)	 	individuals who, as of April 6, 2007, constitute the Company’s Board of Directors (the
“Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Company’s
Board of Directors, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof
whose election, or nomination for election, by the stockholders of the Company was approved by
a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board (other than
an election or nomination of an individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection
with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the members of the
Company’s Board, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the
Exchange Act) shall be considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board,

Asset Sale

“Asset Sale” means a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to
an entity less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned in aggregate by the
Company, its subsidiaries or any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

A-1

 

Cause

“Cause” means termination of your employment with the Company or its affiliates by reason of (1) an
act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your
employment; (2) unreasonable neglect or refusal by you to perform your material duties (other than
as a result of illness, accident or other physical or mental incapacity), provided that (A) a
demand for performance of services has been delivered to you by the Company’s Chief Executive
Officer at least sixty days prior to such termination identifying the manner in which the Chief
Executive Officer believes that your have failed to perform and (B) you have thereafter failed to
remedy such failure to perform; (3) you engage in willful, reckless, or grossly negligent
misconduct which is or may be materially injurious to the Company or its affiliates; or (4) your
conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contenders to a felony.

Change of Control of the Company

A “Change of Control of the Company” shall occur upon any of the following events:

	(a)	 	a consummation of any consolidation or merger of the Company pursuant to which shares of
common stock would be converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property,
other than a consolidation or merger of the Company in which the holders of common stock
immediately prior to the merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a 50% ownership
interest in the outstanding common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the
merger (other than with entities in which the holders of the Company’s common stock, directly,
or indirectly, have at least a 50% ownership interest);
	 
	(b)	 	an Asset Sale; or

	(c)	 	as the result of, or in connection with, any cash tender offer, exchange offer, merger or
other business combination, sale of assets, proxy or consent solicitation (other than by the
Company’s Board of Directors), contested election or substantial stock accumulation (“Control
Transaction”), the members of the Company’s Board of Directors immediately prior to the first
public announcement relating to such Control Transaction shall thereafter cease to constitute
a majority of the Company’s Board of Directors.

A “409A Change of Control of the Company” is a Change of Control of the Company that both (1)
occurs in 2009 and (2) is a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or in the
ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company for purposes of Section 409A.

Code

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

A-2

 

Disability

“Disability” means a mental or physical condition which, in the opinion of the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (1) renders you unable or incompetent to carry
out the material job responsibilities which you held or the material duties to which you were
assigned at the time the disability was incurred, and (2) is expected to be permanent or to last
for an indefinite duration or a duration in excess of six months, or results in you receiving
benefits under any long term disability plan offered by the Company or its affiliates.

Good Reason

	(a)	 	“Good Reason” in all events means the occurrence of any of the following events, without your
written consent: (1) you are no longer a direct report to the Company’s Chief Executive
Officer or to the Company’s Board of Directors (it being understood that a promotion or an
enhancement of duties will not constitute Good Reason hereunder), (2) you are assigned any
duties inconsistent in any material respect with your position, authority, duties or
responsibilities, or any other action that results in a significant diminution in such
position, authority, duties or responsibilities, each as in effect as of the date hereof (or
such later date to the extent of any actions by the Company are consented to in writing by
you), unless the action is remedied by the Company within ten days after receipt of notice
thereof given by you, (3) your assignment for longer than six months to a location in excess
of fifty miles from your then current office, (4) a reduction of your Regular Salary or a
reduction of your bonus target below 70% of your Base Salary, or (5) material failure to pay
your Regular Salary, bonus, equity compensation or benefits under this Agreement, unless any
such action under this clause is remedied by the Company within ten business days after
receipt of notice thereof given by you. For purposes of clause (5), the substitution of any
benefit stated under Exhibit D to this Agreement with any other benefit of equivalent or
greater value during your employment with the Company prior to December 31, 2009 shall not
constitute a material failure to pay your benefits. You acknowledge that the Company has the
right to restructure and/or alter your benefits package as of January 1, 2010 and any such
restructuring of benefits or amendment or termination of some or all of the benefits set forth
on Exhibit C to this Agreement as of or following such date will not give you the right to
terminate for Good Reason.

 

A-3

 

	(b)	 	Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in (a)(1) or (a)(2) above, you shall not have “Good
Reason” to terminate your employment due solely to one or more of the following events:
(1) there is a diminution of the business of the Company or any of its affiliates, including,
without limitation, a sale or other transfer of property or other assets of the Company or any
of its affiliates, or a reduction in your business unit’s head count or budget, or (2) a
suspension of your position, job functions, authorities, duties and
responsibilities while on paid administrative leave due to a reasonable belief that you have
engaged in conduct described in Section 10 of the Agreement.

	(c)	 	You shall only be entitled to terminate employment for Good Reason by giving the Company
written notice of the termination, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of
the Company or its affiliates that constitutes Good Reason. An event shall not be deemed to
constitute Good Reason if you fail to deliver notice of termination for Good Reason within one
month of your actual knowledge of such event.

Section 409A

“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code.

 

A-4

 

Exhibit B

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

The Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assigns in such capacity,
and the current, future and former employees, officers, directors, trustees and agents thereof
(collectively referred to throughout this Agreement as “Employer”), and Ron Klausner (“Executive”),
the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns (collectively referred to
throughout this Agreement as “Employee”) agree:

1. Last Day of Employment. Executive’s last day of employment with Employer is
[DATE]. In addition, effective as of [DATE], Executive resigns from the Executive’s position as
[TITLE] of Employer and will not be eligible for any benefits or compensation after [DATE], other
than as specifically provided in the employment letter between Employer and Executive dated April
9, 2009 (the “Employment Letter”) and Executive’s right to indemnification and directors and
officers liability insurance. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that, after [DATE], the
Executive will not represent the Executive as being a director, employee, officer, trustee, agent
or representative of Employer for any purpose. In addition, effective as of [DATE], Executive
resigns from all offices, directorships, trusteeships, committee memberships and fiduciary
capacities held with, or on behalf of, Employer or any benefit plans of Employer. These
resignations will become irrevocable as set forth in Section 3 below.

2. Consideration. The parties acknowledge that this Agreement and General Release is
being executed in accordance with the Employment Letter.

3. Revocation. Executive may revoke this Agreement and General Release for a period
of seven (7) calendar days following the day Executive executes this Agreement and General Release.
Any revocation within this period must be submitted, in writing, to Employer and state, “I hereby
revoke my acceptance of our Agreement and General Release.” The revocation must be personally
delivered to the General Counsel for the Company, or his/her designee, or mailed to Employer,
[Address], Attn: Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and postmarked within seven (7)
calendar days of execution of this Agreement and General Release. This Agreement and General
Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired. If the
last day of the revocation period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in Michigan then the
revocation period shall not expire until the next following day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or
legal holiday.

 

B-1

 

4. General Release of Claim. Employee knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever
discharges Employer from any and all claims, causes of action, demands, fees and liabilities of any
kind whatsoever, whether known and unknown, against Employer, Employee has, has ever had or may
have as of the date of execution of this Agreement and General Release, including, but not limited
to, any alleged violation of:

	 	•	 	The National Labor Relations Act, as amended;

	 	•	 	Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Civil Rights Act of 1991;

	 	•	 	Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as
amended;

	 	•	 	The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990;

	 	•	 	The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended;

	 	•	 	The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993;

	 	•	 	Any wage payment and collection, equal pay and other similar laws, acts and
statutes of the State of [Michigan];

	 	•	 	Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other
local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance;

	 	•	 	Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; or

	 	•	 	Any allegation for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees
incurred in these matters.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the sole matters to which the Agreement and
General Release do not apply are: (i) Employee’s rights of indemnification and directors and
officers liability insurance coverage to which Executive was entitled immediately prior to [DATE]
with regard to Executive’s service as an officer and director of Employer; (ii) Employee’s rights
under any tax-qualified pension or claims for accrued vested benefits under any other employee
benefit plan, policy or arrangement maintained by Employer or under COBRA; (iii) Employee’s rights
under the provisions of the Employment Letter which are intended to survive termination of
employment; or (iv) Employee’s rights as a stockholder.

 

B-2

 

5. No Claims Permitted. Employee waives Executive’s right to file any charge or
complaint against Employer arising out of Executive’s employment with or separation from Employer
before any federal, state or local court or any state or local administrative agency, except where
such waivers are prohibited by law. This Agreement, however, does not prevent Employee from filing
a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, any other federal government agency,
and/or any government agency concerning claims of discrimination, although Employee waives the
Executive’s right to recover any damages or other relief in any claim or suit brought by or through
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other state or local agency on behalf of
Employee under the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities
Act, or any other federal or state discrimination law, except where such waivers are prohibited by
law.

6. Affirmations. Employee affirms Executive has not filed, has not caused to be
filed, and is not presently a party to, any claim, complaint, or action against Employer in any
forum or form. Employee further affirms that the Executive has been paid and/or has received all
compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which Executive may be entitled and
no other compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to Executive, except as
provided in the Employment Letter. Employee also affirms Executive has no known workplace
injuries.

7. Cooperation; Return of Property. Employee agrees to reasonably cooperate with
Employer and its counsel in connection with any investigation, administrative proceeding or
litigation relating to any matter that occurred during Executive’s employment in which Executive
was involved or of which Executive has knowledge. Employer will reimburse the Employee for any
reasonable out-of-pocket travel, delivery or similar expenses incurred in providing such service to
Employer. Employee represents that Executive has returned to Employer all property belonging to
Employer, including but not limited to any leased vehicle, laptop, cell phone, keys, access cards,
phone cards and credit cards, provided that Executive may retain, and Employer shall cooperate in
transferring, Executive’s cell phone number and any home communication and security equipment as
well as Executive’s rolodex and other address books.

8. Governing Law and Interpretation. This Agreement and General Release shall be
governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan without regard to its
conflict of laws provisions. In the event Employee or Employer breaches any provision of this
Agreement and General Release, Employee and Employer affirm either may institute an action to
specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement and General Release. Should any provision
of this Agreement and General Release be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction and should the provision be incapable of being modified to be enforceable,
such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement and
General Release in full force and effect. Nothing herein, however, shall operate to void or
nullify any general release language contained in the Agreement and General Release.

9. Nonadmission of Wrongdoing. Employee agrees neither this Agreement and General
Release nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release shall be deemed or construed at
any time for any purpose as an admission by Employer of any liability or unlawful conduct of any
kind.

10. Amendment. This Agreement and General Release may not be modified, altered or
changed except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to
this Agreement and General Release.

 

B-3

 

11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and General Release sets forth the entire
agreement between the parties hereto and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings
between the parties; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement and General Release, the provisions in the Employment Letter which are intended to
survive termination of the Employment Letter shall survive and continue in full force and effect.
Employee acknowledges Executive has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of
any kind not contained herein or in the Employment Letter made to Executive in connection with
Executive’s decision to accept this Agreement and General Release.

EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT EXECUTIVE HAS UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS TO REVIEW
THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AND HAS BEEN ADVISED IN WRITING TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY
PRIOR TO EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE.

EMPLOYEE AGREES ANY MODIFICATIONS, MATERIAL OR OTHERWISE, MADE TO THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL
RELEASE DO NOT RESTART OR AFFECT IN ANY MANNER THE ORIGINAL TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAY
CONSIDERATION PERIOD.

HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES SET
FORTH HEREIN, AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS SET FORTH IN THE RETENTION AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE
FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST EMPLOYER.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement and
General Release as of the date set forth below:

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	VOYAGER LEARNING COMPANY	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	RON KLAUSNER	 	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Title:
	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	Date:

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Date:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 

 

B-4

 

Exhibit C

BENEFITS

You shall be entitled to the following benefits while employed by the Company under this Agreement
through December 31, 2009. Except with respect to the SERP-replacement benefit described below, if
you remain employed after this date, the Company will inform you of the benefits you will be
entitled to as of January 1, 2010.

	•	 	In lieu of the ProQuest Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), you are eligible for
a lump sum cash payment equal to 15% of the sum of your Base Salary and your management bonus
under the Financial Bonus Plan for each calendar year you remain employed. You must be
employed as of December 31 of the relevant year to receive payment for that year.
	 
	•	 	You receive at Company expense Basic Term Life Insurance equal to two times annual Base
Salary, and under the terms of the policy, you may elect to purchase additional term life
insurance up to four times Base Salary up to a maximum of $1,300,000 subject to the terms of
the policy.
	 
	•	 	You have Short-Term Disability protection at Company expense.
	 
	•	 	You are covered at Company expense for Long-Term Disability benefits which will begin after
you have been totally disabled for a period of six continuous months.
	 
	•	 	You participate in the Profit Sharing Retirement (401k) Plan.
	 
	•	 	You are eligible for four weeks of annual vacation, accrued at 13.33 hours per month, 4
floating holidays (personal days) and 8 company holidays.
	 
	•	 	You participate in benefit programs including group insurance plans for medical, dental,
vision, as well as access to a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
	 
	•	 	If asked by the Company and you agree to relocate, you are eligible for relocation benefits
as detailed in the Senior Management Homeowner Relocation Plan summary. This benefit must be
reimbursed to the Company if you leave within 12 months of accepting the relocation benefit.
	 
	•	 	You are eligible to participate in Dependent Life Insurance, Voluntary Accidental Death &
Dismemberment Insurance and the Group Legal Plan.

 

C-1exv10w27

Exhibit 10.27

June 19, 2009

Brad Almond

			
	Re:	 	Employment Terms

Dear Brad:

This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions regarding your continued employment with Voyager
Expanded Learning, Inc. (the “Company”) and is a clarifying amendment and restatement of your
employment terms letter dated March 3, 2009. Capitalized terms used in this letter and not
otherwise defined herein are defined in Exhibit A.

	1.	 	Salary

     During your employment with the Company, you will be paid a base salary (“Base Salary”) of
$9,615 bi-weekly ($250,000 if annualized), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices
of the Company.

	2.	 	Bonus

     You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s then current annual bonus plan, in
accordance with the terms of such plan.

	3.	 	Benefits

     During your employment with the Company, you will be entitled to participate in the employee
retirement and welfare benefit plans and programs set forth in Exhibit C, in accordance with the
terms and conditions of such programs as in effect from time to time.

	4.	 	LTIP Awards

     You shall be entitled to cash LTIP awards equal to (i) $100,000 which shall be due November
14, 2009, and (ii) $45,000 which shall be due on November 14, 2010. If you leave the Company
voluntarily without Good Reason, payments scheduled after your termination date will not be due.
In the event of an involuntary termination without Cause, any unpaid amounts would become
immediately payable. Payments will also accelerate and be due upon a Change of Control of the
Company or your termination for Good Reason.

 

 

	5.	 	Severance Protection

     Subject to Section 6 below, you will be entitled to the following severance benefits under
this Section 5 if the Company terminates your employment without Cause or you resign for Good
Reason at any time:

(a) Salary continuation in an amount equal to the sum of (i) 100% of your then current Base
Salary for twelve months and (ii) an amount equal to any accrued but unused vacation days,
with such payments commencing on the earliest payroll date that does not result in adverse
tax consequences to you under Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”).

(b) Subject to your continued co-payment of premiums, continued participation for twelve
months in all medical, dental and vision plans which cover you (and eligible dependents)
upon the same terms and conditions (except for the requirements of your continued
employment) in effect for active employees of the Company. If you obtain other employment
that offers substantially similar or improved benefits, as to any particular medical, dental
or vision plan, such continuation of coverage by the Company for such similar or improved
benefit under such plan under this Section 5(b) will immediately cease. The continuation of
health benefits under this subparagraph shall reduce and count against your rights under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.

	6.	 	Conditions to Receiving Severance Benefits

     Any severance benefits payable under this Agreement shall be in lieu of any other severance
benefits that you may have otherwise been eligible to receive from the Company or its affiliates
under the Company Separation Benefits Plan or otherwise. If you terminate employment in a manner
entitling you to severance benefits under either Section 5 above and your death occurs before full
payment of such severance benefits, any amount remaining to be paid shall be paid to your surviving
spouse, or, if none, to your estate. You must sign a release agreement in substantially the same
form as attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement to receive the severance benefits. The severance
benefits under this Agreement will commence as soon as reasonably practicable after the termination
of the revocation period provided in the release agreement. You shall not be required to seek
other employment to mitigate damages, and any income earned by you from other employment or
self-employment shall not be offset against any obligations of the Company to you under this
Agreement.

	7.	 	Change in Control of the Company Bonus

     In the event a Change in Control of the Company occurs on or before December 31, 2009, you
shall be entitled to receive a change in control bonus equal to $200,000 (the “CIC Bonus”).
Payment of the CIC bonus is expressly contingent on you being employed by the Company or one of its
successors, or their affiliates, on March 1, 2010. In the event you voluntarily terminate your
employment or are terminated for Cause prior to March 1, 2010, you shall not be entitled to receive
the CIC Bonus. In the event you are terminated without Cause or

2

 

you terminate for Good Reason prior to March 1, 2010, the CIC Bonus shall be paid to you on
March 1, 2010.

	8.	 	Successors and Assigns

     This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor or assign of the Company, including any
entity that (whether directly or indirectly, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation,
acquisition of property or stock, liquidation or otherwise) is the survivor of the Company or that
acquires the Company and/or substantially all the assets of the Company in accordance with the
operation of law, and such successor entity shall be deemed to be “the Company” for purposes of
this Agreement (except for purposes of determining whether there has been a Change of Control of
the Company). This Section will continue to apply in the event of any subsequent merger or
consolidation or transfer of assets.

	9.	 	Company Right to Recover Payments Under This Agreement

     You hereby agree that, if it is ever determined by the Company that any action or inaction by
you constituted grounds for termination for Cause, then the Company may recover all of any award or
payment made to you pursuant to this Agreement, and you agree to repay and return any such award or
payment to the Company. The Company may, in its sole discretion, affect any such recovery by (i)
obtaining repayment directly from you; (ii) setting off the amount owed to it against any amount or
award that would otherwise be payable by the Company to you, or (iii) any combination of (i) and
(ii) above.

	10.	 	At Will Employment

     This Agreement does not change the at-will nature of your employment relationship with the
Company.

	11.	 	Withholding

     The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state,
local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or
regulation.

	12.	 	Section 409A

     The payments pursuant to this Agreement are intended to be exempt from or, comply with, the
requirements of 409A and this Agreement is intended to be interpreted and operated accordingly to
the fullest extent possible; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement in no event shall the Company be liable to you for or with respect to any taxes,
penalties or interest which may be imposed upon you pursuant to Section 409A. In accordance with
the preceding sentence, the date on which a “separation from service” pursuant to Section 409A
(“Separation from Service”) occurs shall be treated as the termination of employment date for
purposes of determining the timing of payments under this Agreement to the extent necessary to have
such payments under this Agreement be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A or comply with
the requirements of Section 409A. If you are a “Specified Employee” pursuant to Section 409A on
the date of your Separation from Service, to

3

 

the extent that any payments pursuant to this Agreement constitute “deferral of compensation”
subject to Section 409A (after taking into account to the maximum extent possible any applicable
exemptions) (a “409A Payment”) treated as payable upon Separation from Service, then to the extent
required for you not to incur additional taxes pursuant to Section 409A, no such 409A Payment shall
be made before the earlier of (i) 6 months after your Separation from Service; or (ii) the date of
your death. Should the preceding sentence result in payments to you at a later time than otherwise
would have been made under this letter, on the first day any such payments may be made without
incurring additional tax pursuant to Section 409A (“409A Payment Date”), the Company shall make
such payments provided that any amounts that would have been paid earlier but for the application
of this Section 12 shall be paid in a lump sum on the 409A Payment Date. For purposes of Section
409A, each payment installment shall be treated as a separate payment. To the extent required for
payments under this Agreement to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A (with the
intention to comply with Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(d) with the treatment of the 38th day after
termination of employment as the designated payment date), payments shall be made no sooner than
the 8th day after termination of employment nor later than the 38th day after termination of
employment based on when the release required by Section 6 is executed and becomes non-revocable
and if such 30-day period spans two calendar years, payment shall be made in the later calendar
year. The parties agree to cooperate to minimize the impact of Section 409A without materially
changing the economic value of this Agreement to either party.

	13.	 	Indemnification

     The Company shall indemnify you to the same extent that its officers, directors and employees
are entitled to indemnification as of the date hereof pursuant to the Company’s Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws for any acts or omissions by reason of being a director, officer or
employee of the Company.

	14.	 	Cooperation

     You agree to reasonably cooperate with the Company and its affiliates during your employment
and thereafter in any internal investigation, any administrative, regulatory or judicial
investigation or proceeding or any dispute with a third party as reasonably requested by the
Company (including, without limitation, your being available to the Company upon reasonable notice
and at reasonable times for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the Company’s
request upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times to give testimony without requiring service
of a subpoena or other legal process, delivering to the Company requested information and relevant
documents which are or may come into your possession, all at times and on schedules that are
reasonably consistent with your other permitted activities and commitments). The obligations under
this Section shall survive expiration of your employment with the Company. If your cooperation
under this Section is requested after your termination of employment, the Company shall (i) provide
you reasonable advance notice after giving due consideration to your then current employment
obligations, and (ii) reimburse you for all reasonable travel expenses and other reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses upon submission of receipts.

4

 

	15.	 	Entire Agreement: Modification

     This Agreement contains the entire agreement between you and the Company concerning the
matters set forth herein and supersedes any other discussions, agreements, representations or
warranties of any kind with regard to these matters. You acknowledge that this Agreement
supercedes any and all agreements or arrangement between you and the Company including without
limitation, your offer letter agreement with the Company dated November 9, 2006, your employment
terms letter dated July 24, 2007, your LTIP letter dated November 14, 2007 and your employment
terms letter dated March 3, 2009. Any modification of this Agreement will only be effective if
done in writing and signed by you and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. If for any
reason any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid, that invalidity will not affect the
remainder of this Agreement.

	16.	 	Non-Compete Agreement

     By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge that (a) the Employee Confidentiality and
Restrictive Covenant Agreement dated November 13, 2006, between you and the Company (the
“Non-Compete Agreement”) remains a valid and binding agreement and (b) the Non-Compete Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company.

	17.	 	Survival of Terms

     The provisions of Sections 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16 and the other provisions of this
Agreement which by their terms contemplate survival of the termination of this Agreement, shall
survive expiration of this Agreement and/or your employment with the Company and be deemed to be
independent covenants.

	18.	 	Acknowledgment

     You acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to fully discuss and review the terms of this
Agreement with an attorney of your own choosing. You further acknowledge that you have carefully
read this Agreement, understand its contents and freely and voluntarily assent to all of its terms
and conditions, and sign your name of your own free act.

5

 

	19.	 	Governing Law

     This Agreement is governed by the laws of Texas (excluding conflicts of laws).

We hope that these adjustments to your compensation reinforce the degree to which you are valued by
the Company. Please review this Agreement carefully and, if it correctly states our agreement,
sign and return to me the enclosed copy.

Best regards,

/s/ Todd W. Buchardt

Todd W. Buchardt

Vice President

Voyager Expanded Learning, Inc.

Read, accepted and agreed to this 19th day June, 2009

	 	 	 
	/s/ Brad Almond

	 	 
	 
	 	 
	Brad Almond
	 	 

6

 

Exhibit A

DEFINITIONS

Asset Sale

“Asset Sale” means a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of Voyager Learning
Company’s assets to an entity less than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of which are
owned in aggregate by Voyager Learning Company, its subsidiaries or any employee benefit plan of
Voyager Learning Company or its subsidiaries.

Cause

“Cause” means termination of your employment with the Company or its affiliates by reason of (1) an
act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with your duties or in the course of your
employment; (2) unreasonable neglect or refusal by you to perform your material duties (other than
as a result of illness, accident or other physical or mental incapacity), provided that (A) a
demand for performance of services has been delivered to you by the Company’s President at least
sixty days prior to such termination identifying the manner in which the President believes that
your have failed to perform and (B) you have thereafter failed to remedy such failure to perform;
(3) you engage in willful, reckless, or grossly negligent misconduct which is or may be materially
injurious to the Company or its affiliates; or (4) your conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo
contendere to a felony.

Change of Control of the Company

A “Change of Control of the Company” shall occur upon any of the following events:

     (a) a consummation of any consolidation or merger of Voyager Learning Company pursuant to
which shares of common stock would be converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other
property, other than a consolidation or merger of Voyager Learning Company in which the holders of
common stock immediately prior to the merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a 50% ownership
interest in the outstanding common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the merger
(other than with entities in which the holders of Voyager Learning Company’s common stock,
directly, or indirectly, have at least a 50% ownership interest);

     (b) an Asset Sale; or

     (c) as the result of, or in connection with, any cash tender offer, exchange offer, merger or
other business combination, sale of assets, proxy or consent solicitation (other than by the
Company’s Board of Directors), contested election or substantial stock accumulation (“Control
Transaction”), the members of Voyager Learning Company’s Board of Directors immediately prior to
the first public announcement relating to such Control Transaction shall thereafter cease to
constitute a majority of Voyager Learning Company’s Board of Directors.

A-1

 

Code

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Disability

“Disability” means a mental or physical condition which, in the opinion of the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of Voyager Learning Company (1) renders you unable or
incompetent to carry out the material job responsibilities which you held or the material duties to
which you were assigned at the time the disability was incurred, and (2) is expected to be
permanent or to last for an indefinite duration or a duration in excess of six months, or results
in you receiving benefits under any long term disability plan offered by Voyager Learning Company
or its affiliates.

Good Reason

     “Good Reason” in all events means the occurrence of any of the following events, without your
written consent: (1) you are no longer a direct report to the President, of the Company or Voyager
Learning Company’s Chief Executive Officer (it being understood that a promotion or an enhancement
of duties will not constitute Good Reason hereunder), (2) you are assigned any duties inconsistent
in any material respect with your position, authority, duties or responsibilities, or any other
action that results in a significant diminution in such position, authority, duties or
responsibilities, each as in effect as of the date hereof (or such later date to the extent of any
actions by the Company are consented to in writing by you), unless the action is remedied by the
Company within ten days after receipt of notice thereof given by you, (3) your assignment for
longer than six months to a location in excess of fifty miles from your then current office, (4) a
reduction of your Base Salary or a reduction of your bonus target below 40% of your Base Salary, or
(5) material failure to pay your Base Salary, bonus, equity compensation or benefits under this
Agreement, unless any such action under this clause is remedied by the Company within ten business
days after receipt of notice thereof given by you. For purposes of clause (5), the substitution of
any benefit with any other benefit of equivalent or greater value during your employment with the
Company prior to December 31, 2009 shall not constitute a material failure to pay your benefits.
You acknowledge that the Company has the right to restructure and/or alter your benefits package as
of January 1, 2010 and any such restructuring of benefits or amendment or termination of some or
all of the benefits as of or following such date will not give you the right to terminate for Good
Reason.

     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in (a)(1) or (a)(2) above, you shall not have “Good
Reason” to terminate your employment due solely to a diminution of the business of the Company or
any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, a sale or other transfer of property or other
assets of the Company or any of its affiliates, or a reduction in your business unit’s head count
or budget.

     (c) You shall only be entitled to terminate employment for Good Reason by giving the Company
written notice of the termination, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the
Company or its affiliates that constitutes Good Reason. An event shall not be

A-2

 

deemed to constitute Good Reason if you fail to deliver notice of termination for Good Reason
within one month of your actual knowledge of such event.

A-3

 

Exhibit B

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

     The Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assigns in such
capacity, and the current, future and former employees, officers, directors, trustees and agents
thereof (collectively referred to throughout this Agreement as “Employer”), and Brad Almond
(“Executive”), the Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns
(collectively referred to throughout this Agreement as “Employee”) agree:

     1. Last Day of Employment. Executive’s last day of employment with Employer is
[DATE]. In addition, effective as of [DATE], Executive resigns from the Executive’s position as
[TITLE] of Employer and will not be eligible for any benefits or compensation after [DATE], other
than as specifically provided in the employment letter between Employer and Executive dated June
19, 2009 (the “Employment Letter”) and Executive’s right to indemnification and directors and
officers liability insurance. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that, after [DATE], the
Executive will not represent the Executive as being a director, employee, officer, trustee, agent
or representative of Employer for any purpose. In addition, effective as of [DATE], Executive
resigns from all offices, directorships, trusteeships, committee memberships and fiduciary
capacities held with, or on behalf of, Employer or any benefit plans of Employer. These
resignations will become irrevocable as set forth in Section 3 below.

     2. Consideration. The parties acknowledge that this Agreement and General
Release is being executed in accordance with the Employment Letter.

     3. Revocation. Executive may revoke this Agreement and General Release for a period
of seven (7) calendar days following the day Executive executes this Agreement and General Release.
Any revocation within this period must be submitted, in writing, to Employer and state, “I hereby
revoke my acceptance of our Agreement and General Release.” The revocation must be personally
delivered to the General Counsel for the Company, or his/her designee, or mailed to Employer, 206
E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Attn: Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and
postmarked within seven (7) calendar days of execution of this Agreement and General Release. This
Agreement and General Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period
has expired. If the last day of the revocation period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in
Michigan then the revocation period shall not expire until the next following day which is not a
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

     4. General Release of Claim. Employee knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever
discharges Employer from any and all claims, causes of action, demands, fees and liabilities of any
kind whatsoever, whether known and unknown, against Employer, Employee has, has ever had or may
have as of the date of execution of this Agreement and General Release, including, but not limited
to, any alleged violation of:

	 	•	 	The National Labor Relations Act, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;

B-4

 

	 	•	 	The Civil Rights Act of 1991;
	 
	 	•	 	Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990;
	 
	 	•	 	The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended;
	 
	 	•	 	The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993;
	 
	 	•	 	Any wage payment and collection, equal pay and other similar laws, acts and
statutes of the State of Texas;
	 
	 	•	 	Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local,
state or federal law, regulation or ordinance;
	 
	 	•	 	Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; or
	 
	 	•	 	Any allegation for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees
incurred in these matters.

     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the sole matters to which the Agreement and
General Release do not apply are: (i) Employee’s rights of indemnification and directors and
officers liability insurance coverage to which Executive was entitled immediately prior to [DATE]
with regard to Executive’s service as an officer and director of Employer; (ii) Employee’s rights
under any tax-qualified pension or claims for accrued vested benefits under any other employee
benefit plan, policy or arrangement maintained by Employer or under COBRA; (iii) Employee’s rights
under the provisions of the Employment Letter which are intended to survive termination of
employment; or (iv) Employee’s rights as a stockholder.

     5. No Claims Permitted. Employee waives Executive’s right to file any charge or
complaint against Employer arising out of Executive’s employment with or separation from Employer
before any federal, state or local court or any state or local administrative agency, except where
such waivers are prohibited by law. This Agreement, however, does not prevent Employee from filing
a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, any other federal government agency,
and/or any government agency concerning claims of discrimination, although Employee waives the
Executive’s right to recover any damages or other relief in any claim or suit brought by or through
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any

B-5

 

other state or local agency on behalf of Employee under the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or
any other federal or state discrimination law, except where such waivers are prohibited by law.

     6. Affirmations. Employee affirms Executive has not filed, has not caused to be
filed, and is not presently a party to, any claim, complaint, or action against Employer in any
forum or form. Employee further affirms that the Executive has been paid and/or has received all
compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which Executive may be entitled and
no other compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to Executive, except as
provided in the Employment Letter. Employee also affirms Executive has no known workplace
injuries.

     7. Cooperation; Return of Property. Employee agrees to reasonably cooperate with
Employer and its counsel in connection with any investigation, administrative proceeding or
litigation relating to any matter that occurred during Executive’s employment in which Executive
was involved or of which Executive has knowledge. Employer will reimburse the Employee for any
reasonable out-of-pocket travel, delivery or similar expenses incurred in providing such service to
Employer. Employee represents that Executive has returned to Employer all property belonging to
Employer, including but not limited to any leased vehicle, laptop, cell phone, keys, access cards,
phone cards and credit cards, provided that Executive may retain, and Employer shall cooperate in
transferring, Executive’s cell phone number and any home communication and security equipment as
well as Executive’s rolodex and other address books.

     8. Governing Law and Interpretation. This Agreement and General Release shall be
governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its
conflict of laws provisions. In the event Employee or Employer breaches any provision of this
Agreement and General Release, Employee and Employer affirm either may institute an action to
specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement and General Release. Should any provision
of this Agreement and General Release be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction and should the provision be incapable of being modified to be enforceable,
such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement and
General Release in full force and effect. Nothing herein, however, shall operate to void or
nullify any general release language contained in the Agreement and General Release.

     9. Nonadmission of Wrongdoing. Employee agrees neither this Agreement and General
Release nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release shall be deemed or construed at
any time for any purpose as an admission by Employer of any liability or unlawful conduct of any
kind.

     10. Amendment. This Agreement and General Release may not be modified, altered or
changed except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to
this Agreement and General Release.

     11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and General Release sets forth the entire
agreement between the parties hereto and fully supersedes any prior agreements or

B-6

 

understandings between the parties; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement and General Release, the provisions in the Employment Letter which are intended to
survive termination of the Employment Letter shall survive and continue in full force and effect.
Employee acknowledges Executive has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of
any kind not contained herein or in the Employment Letter made to Executive in connection with
Executive’s decision to accept this Agreement and General Release.

     EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT EXECUTIVE HAS UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS TO REVIEW
THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE AND HAS BEEN ADVISED IN WRITING TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY
PRIOR TO EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE.

     EMPLOYEE AGREES ANY MODIFICATIONS, MATERIAL OR OTHERWISE, MADE TO THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL
RELEASE DO NOT RESTART OR AFFECT IN ANY MANNER THE ORIGINAL TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAY
CONSIDERATION PERIOD.

     HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES SET
FORTH HEREIN, AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS SET FORTH IN THE RETENTION AGREEMENT, EMPLOYEE
FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST EMPLOYER.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement and
General Release as of the date set forth below:

	 	 	 	 	 
	VOYAGER EXPANDED LEARNING, INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Name:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Title:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	Brad Almond	 	 

B-7

 

Exhibit C

BENEFITS

You shall be entitled to the following benefits while employed by the Company under this Agreement
through December 31, 2009. If you remain employed after this date, the Company will inform you of
the benefits you will be entitled to as of January 1, 2010.

	 	•	 	You receive at Company expense Basic Term Life Insurance equal to one times annual Base
Salary, and under the terms of the policy, you may elect to purchase additional term life
insurance up to four times Base Salary up to a maximum of $1,300,000 subject to the terms
of the policy.
	 
	 	•	 	You have Short-Term Disability protection at Company expense.
	 
	 	•	 	You are covered at Company expense for Long-Term Disability benefits which will
begin after you have been totally disabled for a period of six continuous months.
	 
	 	•	 	You participate in the Profit Sharing Retirement (401k) Plan.
	 
	 	•	 	You are eligible for three weeks of annual vacation, accrued at 10 hours per month, 4
floating holidays (personal days) and 8 company holidays.
	 
	 	•	 	You participate in benefit programs including group insurance plans for medical,
dental, vision, as well as access to a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending
Account.
	 
	 	•	 	You are eligible to participate in Dependent Life Insurance, Voluntary Accidental
Death & Dismemberment Insurance and the Group Legal Plan.

C-1

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