Document:

exv10w16

Exhibit 10.16

First Amendment to Employment Agreement

     This FIRST AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into by
and between Study Island, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and James B.
Walburg (the “Executive”) as of December 31, 2008 for purposes of amending that certain employment
agreement by and between the Company and the Executive dated May 22, 2007 (the “Employment
Agreement”). Terms used in this Amendment with initial capital letters that are not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Employment Agreement.

W  I  T  N  E  S  S  E  T  H

     WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to amend the Employment Agreement to bring the
provisions into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions hereafter set forth
and for other good and valuable consideration, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

     1. Section 4.2 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentence
to the end of said section:

The bonus payments, if any, shall be paid by the Company no later than the 15th day of
the third calendar month of the fiscal year following the fiscal year to which such
annual bonus relates.

     2. Section 7.1 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by deleting said section in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:

     7.1 Termination by the Company:

(a) If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause (other than
as result of death or total disability), and such termination constitutes a
“separation from service” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (“Section 409A”), he will not be entitled to receive any of the payments
or benefits provided for herein except the Company shall (i) pay his base salary
through the Termination Date, (ii) pay him an amount equal to his base salary during
the Severance Period (as defined in Section 7.7 below) payable in equal
installments, in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, beginning
with the first payroll date following the 45th day after the Termination
Date, (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as
of the Termination Date, and (iv) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly
available upon termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs
of the Company applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date (but without
duplication of any benefits or payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

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(b) If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for Cause, and such
termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, he will not
be entitled to receive any of the payments or benefits provided for herein except
the Company shall (i) pay his base salary through the Termination Date, (ii) provide
the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of the Termination
Date, and (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly available upon
termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of the Company
applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date (but without duplication of any
benefits or payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

     3. Section 7.2 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by deleting said section in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:

     7.2 Termination by the Executive:

(a) If the Executive terminates his employment with the Company with Good Reason (as
hereinafter defined), and such termination constitutes a “separation from service”
under Section 409A, he will not be entitled to receive any of the payments or benefits
provided for herein except the Company shall (i) pay his base salary through the
Termination Date, (ii) pay him an amount equal to his base salary during the Severance
Period payable in equal installments, in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll
practices, beginning with the first payroll date following the 45th day
after the Termination Date, (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits that are
accrued but unpaid as of the Termination Date, and (iv) provide the Executive with all
benefits expressly available upon termination of employment in accordance with the
plans and programs of the Company applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date
(but without duplication of any benefits or payments otherwise provided for
hereunder).

(b) If the Executive terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason,
and such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, he
will not be entitled to any payments or benefits provided for herein except the
Company shall (i) pay his base salary through the Termination Date, (ii) provide the
Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of the Termination Date,
and (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly available upon termination
of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of the Company applicable to
the Executive on the Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or
payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

     4. Section 7.3 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by deleting said section in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:

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     7.3 Expiration of Term, Death or Disability:

(a) If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 3 hereof as a
result of the expiration of the term of this Agreement, and such termination
constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, he will not be entitled to
any payments or benefits provided for herein except the Company shall (i) pay his base
salary through the Termination Date, (ii) pay him an amount equal to his base salary
during the Severance Period payable in equal installments, in accordance with the
Company’s normal payroll practices, beginning with the first payroll date following
the 45th day after the Termination Date, (iii) provide the Executive with
all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of the Termination Date, and (iv) provide
the Executive with all benefits expressly available upon termination of employment in
accordance with the plans and programs of the Company applicable to the Executive on
the Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or payments otherwise
provided for hereunder).

(b) If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof as a
result of his death or total disability, and such termination constitutes a
“separation from service” under Section 409A, he will not be entitled to any payments
or benefits, except the Company shall (i) pay his base salary through the Termination
Date, (ii) provide the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of
the Termination Date, and (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly
available upon termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of
the Company applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date (but without
duplication of any benefits or payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

     5. Section 7.4 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by deleting said section in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:

7.4 Payment Schedule: All payments of base salary under this Section 7 (excluding
wages for services performed prior to the Termination Date) shall be paid in
accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, beginning with the first
payroll date following the 45th day after the Termination Date. Payment of wages for
services performed prior to the Termination Date shall be paid in accordance with
the Company’s normal payroll practices without regard to the 45 day delay. Any bonus
amounts due under this Section 7 shall be paid promptly following the Company’s
receipt of its audited financial statements for the year during which the
Termination Date occurs, but in no event later than the 15th day of the third
calendar month of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the Termination
Date occurred, and in no event earlier than the 45th day following the Termination
Date. Each payment made in accordance with this Section 7 shall be treated as a
separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, to the extent Section 409A applies to
such payments.

     6. Section 7.6 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by deleting said section in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:

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7.6 Good Reason: Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to termination being
with or without Good Reason, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events without the Executive’s express written consent: (i) any material
breach by the Company of any material provision of this Agreement, (ii) a material
reduction in or the failure to pay the Executive’s base salary, (iii) a material
reduction or diminution of the Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authorities
which are caused by an act of the Company, or (iv) a request by the Company for the
Executive to perform an illegal or unethical act. The Company shall have 30 days
after receipt of notice from the Executive setting forth the specific conduct that
constitutes Good Reason, to cure such conduct that would result in Good Reason. The
Executive may not resign his employment for Good Reason unless the executive has
provided the Company with at least 30 days prior written notice of his intent to
resign for Good Reason (which notice must be provided within 60 days following (x)
the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute Good Reason, or (y) if the
Executive did not know of the occurrence of any of such events, the date on which
the Executive had actual knowledge of the occurrence of any of such events) and has
set forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct that constitutes Good Reason and
the specific provisions of this Agreement on which the Executive relies.

     7. Section 7.8 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amended by deleting said section in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:

7.8 Payments Contingent on Release: The Company’s obligation to make any payments of
base salary or bonus under this Section 7 (other than wages for services performed
prior to the Termination Date) shall be contingent upon the Executive executing a
general release concerning the Executive’s employment in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to the Company and the Executive, within 45 days following the
Termination Date. No such contingency shall apply to any obligation to provide
benefits under this Section 7.

     8. Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, the Employment Agreement shall continue in
full force and effect in accordance with the provisions thereof.

The next page is the signature page.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and entered into this Amendment on the date set
forth above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	EXECUTIVE:

 	 
	 	/s/ James B. Walburg
 	 
	 	James B. Walburg 	 
	 	 	 
	 	STUDY ISLAND, LLC

 	 
	 	By:  	 /s/ Timothy McEwen
 	 
	 	Name:	 	Timothy McEwen  	 
	 	Title:	 	CEO 	 
	 

Page 5exv10w17

Exhibit 10.17

Archipelago Learning, LLC

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of this 31st day of August,
2009 by and between Archipelago Learning, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
“Company”), and James B. Walburg (the “Executive”).

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to engage the services of the Executive and the Executive desires
to be employed by the Company;

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to be assured that the unique and expert services of the
Executive will be available to the Company, and that the Executive is willing and able to render
such services on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to be assured that the confidential information and good will of
the Company will be preserved for the exclusive benefit of the Company.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of such employment and the mutual covenants and promises
herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

     1 EMPLOYMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

     The Company will employ the Executive in the position of Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, beginning on August 31, 2009 (the “Start Date”). The Executive shall report to
the Chief Executive Officer. The Executive will have such authority, and will perform all of the
duties, normally associated with this position as well as other duties as may be reasonably
assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Managers of the Company (the “Board”) or the
Chief Executive Officer, in each case consistent with his position as Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer.

     2 ATTENTION AND EFFORT

     The Executive will devote all of his business time, ability, attention and best efforts to the
performance of his duties hereunder in a manner which will faithfully and diligently further the
Company’s business to the exclusion of all other business activities. However, the Executive may
devote reasonable periods of time to engaging in charitable or community service activities, so
long as none of these activities interfere with his duties under this Agreement. Executive agrees
to perform his duties and responsibilities within Company policies, standard work hours and
attendance and general work practices.

     3 TERM

     The Executive’s employment hereunder initially shall be for a term commencing on the Start
Date and ending on the day preceding the second anniversary of the Start Date, subject to

 

 

earlier termination in accordance with Section 6 below. The Agreement shall be automatically
extended from year to year thereafter unless either party gives not less than sixty (60) days prior
written notice to the other that such party elects to have the Agreement terminated effective at
the end of the initial or then current renewal term.

     4 COMPENSATION

     During the term of employment under this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay to the
Executive, and he agrees to accept in full consideration for all services performed by him, the
following compensation:

     4.1 Base Salary: The Company will pay the Executive an annual base salary of two hundred and
seventy-five thousand dollars ($275,000), before all customary payroll deductions. This annual base
salary will be paid in accordance with the usual payroll practices of the Company. The Board may
make such increases in the base salary as the Board may, in its sole discretion, deem appropriate.

     4.2 Bonus: During the Executive’s employment term, the Executive will participate in the
Company-wide bonus plan in which all employees of the Company participate based on the bonus plan’s
policies and procedures then in effect. In addition, Executive will be eligible to receive in
respect of each fiscal year of the Company (commencing with the fiscal year ending on December 31,
2009) an annual bonus (the “Bonus”) in an amount equal to up to 50% of his earned base salary (pro
rated for partial years) based on, among other things, performance targets established by the Board
of Managers by reference to the operating plan approved from time to time by the Board of Managers;
provided, that if the performance targets in any fiscal year are exceeded, the maximum bonus the
Executive shall be eligible to receive shall equal up to 60% of his base salary. The bonus
payments, if any, shall be paid by the Company no later than the 15th day of the third calendar
month of the fiscal year following the fiscal year to which such annual bonus relates.

     4.3 Incentive Equity: The Executive will have the right to participate in the Company’s
incentive equity plan, as determined by the Board of Directors.

     4.4 Withholding: The Company may withhold from any compensation and benefits payable to the
Executive all applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes.

     4.5 Board Participation. The Executive will not be a member of the Board of Managers of
Holdings but will be permitted to attend and participate in meetings of the Board of Managers of
Holdings., with the exception of any closed executive sessions.

     5 BENEFITS

     5.1 Description of Benefits: During the term of employment under this Agreement, the Executive
will be entitled to participate in all employee incentive, pension and welfare benefit plans and
programs made available generally to other senior executives of the Company, as such plans or
programs may be in effect from time to time (including, without limitation,

 

 

incentive equity, profit sharing, savings and other pension and retirement plans or programs,
medical, dental, hospitalization, short-term and long-term disability and life insurance plans,
accidental death and dismemberment protection, and any other pension or retirement plans or
programs and any other employee incentive compensation plans, employee welfare benefit plans or
programs that may be sponsored by the Company from time to time and provided that Executive meets
the eligibility requirements and other terms, conditions and restrictions of the respective plans
and programs, including any plans that supplement the above-listed types of plans or programs,
whether funded or unfunded). Payment for such coverages will be the sole responsibility of the
Executive, unless the Company makes such coverages available to similarly situated executives on a
shared cost basis. In addition, the Executive will be entitled to 4 weeks of paid vacation per
year. The Company will pay for all reasonable expenses actually incurred by the Executive directly
in connection with the business affairs of the Company and the performance of his duties hereunder,
upon presentation of proper receipts or other proof of expenditure and subject to such reasonable
guidelines or limitations provided by the Company from time to time.

     6 TERMINATION

     The Executive’s employment under this Agreement may be terminated as follows, but in the event
of any such termination, the provisions of Sections 7 and 8 will survive the termination of the
Executive’s employment.

     6.1 By the Company: The Company may terminate the employment of the Executive, with or without
Cause (as defined in Section 7.5 hereof), at any time during the term hereof by delivery of a
Notice of Termination (as defined below) to the Executive.

     6.2 By the Executive: The Executive may terminate his employment at any time, for any reason,
by delivery of a Notice of Termination to the Company.

     6.3 Death; Disability: The Executive’s employment will terminate automatically upon the
Executive’s death or total disability. The term “total disability” will mean the Executive’s
inability to perform the duties set forth in Section 1 hereof for a period of twelve (12)
consecutive weeks, or a cumulative period of 90 business days in any 12-month period, as a result
of physical or mental illness or loss of legal capacity.

     6.4 Notice: The term “Notice of Termination” means at least thirty (30) days’ prior written
notice of termination of the Executive’s employment (the “Advance Notice Period”), during which
period the Executive’s employment and performance of services will continue; provided, that (i) the
Executive may, upon termination of his employment for Good Reason, make such notice effective
immediately, (ii) the Company may, upon termination of his employment with or without Cause, make
such notice immediately and (iii) the Company may, upon notice to the Executive and without
reducing compensation during any Advance Notice Period, excuse him from any or all of his duties
during any Advance Notice Period. The effective date of termination of employment (the “Termination
Date”) will be the date on which such Advance Notice Period expires (or the date of notice, if the
Company exercises its rights under

 

 

clause (ii) hereof or if the Executive exercises his rights under clause (i) hereof) or as
otherwise provided in Section 3 above.

     7 TERMINATION PAYMENTS

     In the event of termination of the employment of the Executive, all compensation and benefits
set forth in this Agreement will terminate as of the Termination Date except as specifically
provided in this Section 7:

     7.1 Termination by the Company:

     (a) If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause (other than as result
of death or total disability), and such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under
Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”), he will not be
entitled to receive any of the payments or benefits provided for herein except the Company shall
(i) pay his base salary through the Termination Date, (ii) pay him a Bonus or a pro-rated Bonus
for the calendar year in which the Termination Date fell, based on the number of days of such
calendar year that the Executive was employed by the Company (the “Pro-Rated Bonus”), as
applicable, (iii) pay him an amount equal to his base salary during the Severance Period (as
defined in Section 7.7 below) payable in equal installments, in accordance with the Company’s
normal payroll practices, beginning with the first payroll date following the 45th day after the
Termination Date, (iv) provide the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of
the Termination Date, and (v) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly available upon
termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of the Company applicable to
the Executive on the Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or payments
otherwise provided for hereunder). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for the
avoidance of doubt, when calculating the Pro Rated Bonus under this Section 7.1 or any other
Section of this Agreement such calculation shall be determined based on the actual performance
achieved by the Company during the applicable fiscal period, and shall be paid by the Company when
other bonus payments are made to similarly situated employees.

     (b) If the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for Cause, and such termination
constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, he will not be entitled to receive any
of the payments or benefits provided for herein except the Company shall (i) pay his base salary
through the Termination Date, (ii) provide the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but
unpaid as of the Termination Date, and (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly
available upon termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of the Company
applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or
payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

     7.2 Termination by the Executive:
(a) If the Executive terminates his employment with the Company with Good Reason (as
hereinafter defined), and such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section
409A, he will not be entitled to receive any of the payments or benefits provided for herein except
the Company shall (i) pay his base salary through the Termination Date, (ii) pay him a Pro-Rated
Bonus, (iii) pay him an amount equal to his base salary during the Severance Period

 

 

payable in equal installments, in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices,
beginning with the first payroll date following the 45th day after the Termination Date, (iv)
provide the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of the Termination Date, and
(v) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly available upon termination of employment in
accordance with the plans and programs of the Company applicable to the Executive on the
Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or payments otherwise provided for
hereunder).

     (b) If the Executive terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason, and
such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A, he will not be
entitled to any payments or benefits provided for herein except the Company shall (i) pay his base
salary through the Termination Date, (ii) provide the Executive with all benefits that are accrued
but unpaid as of the Termination Date, and (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits expressly
available upon termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of the Company
applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or
payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

     7.3 Expiration of Term, Death or Disability:

     (a) If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 3 hereof as a result of
the expiration of the term of this Agreement, and such termination constitutes a “separation from
service” under Section 409A, he will not be entitled to any payments or benefits provided for
herein except the Company shall (i) pay his base salary through the Termination Date, (ii) provide
the Executive with all benefits that are accrued but unpaid as of the Termination Date, and (iii)
provide the Executive with all benefits expressly available upon termination of employment in
accordance with the plans and programs of the Company applicable to the Executive on the
Termination Date (but without duplication of any benefits or payments otherwise provided for
hereunder).

     (b) If the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof as a result of
his death or total disability, and such termination constitutes a “separation from service” under
Section 409A, he will not be entitled to any payments or benefits, except the Company shall (i) pay
his base salary through the Termination Date, (ii) provide the Executive with all benefits that are
accrued but unpaid as of the Termination Date, and (iii) provide the Executive with all benefits
expressly available upon termination of employment in accordance with the plans and programs of the
Company applicable to the Executive on the Termination Date (but without duplication of any
benefits or payments otherwise provided for hereunder).

     7.4 Payment Schedule: All payments of base salary under this Section 7 (excluding wages for
services performed prior to the Termination Date) shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s
normal payroll practices, beginning with the first payroll date following the 45th day after the
Termination Date. Payment of wages for services performed prior to the Termination Date shall be
paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices without regard to the 45 day delay.
Any bonus amounts due under this Section 7 shall be paid promptly following the Company’s receipt
of its audited financial statements for the year during which the Termination Date occurs, but in
no event later than the 15th day of the third calendar month of

 

 

the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurred, and in no
event earlier than the 45th day following the Termination Date. Each payment made in accordance
with this Section 7 shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, to the
extent Section 409A applies to such payments.

     7.5 Cause: Wherever reference is made in this Agreement to termination being with or without
Cause, “Cause” shall mean (i) the Executive repeatedly refuses or fails to perform any of his
duties and responsibilities as determined from time to time by the Board or the Chief Executive
Officer, including, without limitation (a) the Executive’s persistent neglect of duty or chronic
unapproved absenteeism (other than for a temporary or permanent disability) which remains uncured
to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer following thirty (30)
days’ written notice from the Company of such alleged fault and (b) the Executive’s refusal to
comply with any lawful directive or policy of the Board which refusal is not cured by the Executive
within thirty (30) days of such written notice from the Company; provided, that the Company shall
not be required to give the Executive more than two cure periods with respect to this clause (i),
(ii) the Executive acts (including a failure to act) in a manner which constitutes gross and
willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of his duties, (iii) the Executive
commits a material act of fraud, personal dishonesty or misappropriation relating to the Company or
Holdings, (iv) the Executive commits a material act of dishonesty, embezzlement, unauthorized use
or disclosure of Confidential Information or other intellectual property or trade secrets, common
law fraud or other fraud with respect thereto, (v) a breach by the Executive of a material
provision of this Agreement or any other written agreement with the Company, (vi) the Executive’s
indictment for or conviction (or the entry of a plea of a nolo contendere or equivalent plea) in a
court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or any misdemeanor involving material dishonesty or
moral turpitude, or (vii) the Executive’s habitual or repeated misuse of, or habitual or repeated
performance of the Executive’s duties under the influence of, alcohol or controlled substances.

     7.6 Good Reason: Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to termination being with or
without Good Reason, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events without
the Executive’s express written consent: (i) any breach by the Company of any material provision
of this Agreement or any other written agreement with the Executive, (ii) a reduction in the
Executive’s base salary, or (iii) a material reduction or diminution of the Executive’s duties,
responsibilities or authorities, which are caused by an act of the Company. The Company shall have
30 days after receipt of notice from the Executive setting forth the specific conduct that
constitutes Good Reason, to cure such conduct that would result in Good Reason. The Executive may
not resign his employment for Good Reason unless the Executive has provided the Company with at
least 30 days prior written notice of his intent to resign for Good Reason (which notice must be
provided within 60 days following (x) the occurrence of the event(s) purported to constitute Good
Reason, or (y) if the Executive did not know of the occurrence of any of such events, the date on
which the Executive had actual knowledge of the occurrence of any of such events) and has set forth
in reasonable detail the specific conduct that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provisions
of this Agreement on which the Executive relies.

 

 

     7.7 Severance Period: Whenever reference is made in this Agreement to the Severance Period,
“Severance Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Termination Date and ending on the
twelve-month anniversary of the Termination Date.

     7.8 Payments Contingent on Release: The Company’s obligation to make any payments of base
salary or bonus under this Section 7 (other than wages for services performed prior to the
Termination Date) shall be contingent upon the Executive executing a general release concerning the
Executive’s employment in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company and the
Executive, within 45 days following the Termination Date. No such contingency shall apply to any
obligation to provide benefits under this Section 7.

     8 NONCOMPETITION, NONSOLICITATION, PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

     8.1 Applicability: This Section 8 will survive the termination of this Agreement and the
Executive’s employment with the Company. As used in this Section 8, “Company” shall mean
Archipelago Learning Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”), the Company and all of the Company’s current and
future parent direct and indirect parent companies and subsidiaries.

     8.2 Restricted Period: As used in this Agreement, the “Restricted Period” means the period
commencing on the Start Date and six-months following the Termination Date (the “Trigger Date”).

     8.3 Noncompetition: During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not engage in any
business in any manner, directly or indirectly, individually or as a consultant to, or as an
employee, officer, director, stockholder, partner or other owner or participant of, any entity that
(i) is in competition with any business of the Company or any business in which, to the Executive’s
knowledge, the Company had plans to engage or was considering engaging as of the Trigger Date,
except the Executive may own up to five percent (5%) of any class of issued and outstanding
securities of a competitive corporation whose shares are regularly traded on a national securities
exchange or on the over-the-counter market, or (ii) inevitably will result in the disclosure or use
of the Company’s Confidential Information, as defined in Section 8.5 below, in either case in any
state in the United States where the Company does business as of the Trigger Date or where, to the
Executive’s knowledge, the Company had plans to engage or was considering engaging as of the
Trigger Date.

     8.4 Nonsolicitation: As used in this Agreement, “Solicitation” means, directly or indirectly,
individually or as a consultant to, or as an employee, officer, director, stockholder, partner or
other owner or participant of, any entity, (a) the solicitation of, inducement of, or attempt to
induce, any employee, agent or consultant (including freelance writers and content providers) of
the Company to leave the employ of, or stop providing services to, the Company; (b) the offering or
aiding another to offer employment to, or interfering or attempting to interfere with the Company’s
relationship with, any employees or consultants (including freelance writers and content providers)
of the Company; (c) the solicitation of, or assistance to any entity or person in solicitation of,
any customers or suppliers (including freelance writers and content providers) of the Company to
discontinue doing business with the Company; or (d) interfering

 

 

with any relationship between the Company and any of its customers or suppliers (including
freelance writers and content providers). During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not
engage in or attempt to engage in any Solicitation, provided that Solicitation will not be
considered to have occurred by the general advertising for or hiring of any employee by entities
with which the Executive is associated, as long as he does not directly or indirectly (i) induce
such employee to leave the Company, (ii) contact such employee prior to his departure from the
Company regarding employment, or (iii) in the case of hiring such employee, control such entity or
have any input in the decision to hire such employee.

     8.5 Protection of the Company’s Confidential Information: As used in this Agreement,
“Confidential Information” means all information that relates to the business, technology, manner
of operation, suppliers, panelists, customers, finances, employees, plans, proposals or practices
of the Company or of any third parties doing business with the Company, and includes, without
limitation, the identities of and other information regarding the Company’s suppliers, panelists,
customers and prospects, supplier lists, panelist list employee information, business plans and
proposals, software programs, marketing plans and proposals, technical plans and proposals,
research and development, budgets and projections, nonpublic financial information, and all other
information the Company designates as “confidential” or intends to keep as confidential or
proprietary. Excluded from the definition of Confidential Information is information that is or
becomes generally known to the public, other than through the breach of this Agreement by the
Executive. For this purpose, information known or available generally within the trade or industry
of the Company shall be deemed to be generally known to the public. The Executive understands and
agrees that Confidential Information will be considered the trade secrets of the Company and will
be entitled to all protections given by law to trade secrets and that the provisions of this
Agreement apply to every form in which Confidential Information exists, including, without
limitation, written or printed information, films, tapes, computer disks or data, or any other form
of memory device, media or method by which information is stored or maintained. The Executive
acknowledges that in the course of employment with the Company, he has received and may receive
Confidential Information of the Company. The Executive further acknowledges that Confidential
Information is a valuable, unique and special asset belonging to the Company. For these reasons,
and except as otherwise directed by the Company, the Executive agrees, during his employment, and
at all times after the termination of his employment with the Company, that he will not disclose or
disseminate to anyone outside the Company, nor use for any purpose other than as required by his
work for the Company, nor assist anyone else in any such disclosure or use of, any Confidential
Information. Upon the Company’s request at any time and for any reason, the Executive shall
immediately deliver to the Company all materials (including all soft and hard copies) in the
Executive’s possession which contain or relate to Confidential Information.

     8.6 Ownership of Intellectual Property: All inventions, modifications, discoveries, designs,
developments, improvements, processes, software programs, works of authorship, documentation,
formulae, data, techniques, know-how, trade secrets or intellectual property rights or any interest
therein (collectively, the “Developments”) made by the Executive, either alone or in conjunction
with others, at anytime or at any place during the Executive’s employment with the Company, whether
or not reduced to writing or practice during such period of employment, which relate to the
business in which the Company is engaged or, to the

 

 

knowledge of the Executive, in which the Company intends to engage, shall be and hereby are
the exclusive property of the Company without any farther compensation to the Executive. In
addition, without limiting the generality of the prior sentence, all Developments which are
copyrightable work by the Executive are intended to be “work made for hire” as defined in Section
101 of the Copyright Act of 1976, and shall be and hereby are the property of the Company.

     The Executive shall promptly disclose any Developments to the Company. If any Development is
not the property of the Company by operation of law, other provisions of this Agreement or
otherwise, the Executive will, and hereby does, assign to the Company all right, title and interest
in such Development, without further consideration, and will assist the Company and its nominees in
every way, at the Company’s expense, to secure, maintain and defend the Company’s rights in such
Development. The Executive shall sign all instruments necessary for the filing and prosecution of
any applications for, or extension or renewals of, letters patent (or other intellectual property
registrations or filings) of the United States or any foreign country which the Company desires to
file and relates to any Development. The Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the
Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as such Executive’s agent and attorney-in-fact
(which designation and appointment shall be deemed coupled with an interest and shall survive the
Executive’s death or incapacity), to act for and in the Executive’s behalf to execute and file any
such applications, extensions or renewals and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further
the prosecution and issuance of such letters patent, other intellectual property registrations or
filings, or such other similar documents with the same legal force and effect as if executed by the
Executive.

     8.7 Equitable Relief: The Executive acknowledges that (a) the provisions of this Section 8 are
essential to the Company; (b) that the Company would not enter into this Agreement if it did not
include this Section 8; and (c) that damages sustained by the Company as a result of a breach of
this Section 8 cannot be adequately remedied by monetary damages. Furthermore, the Executive agrees
that the Company, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, and in addition to any
other remedy it may have under this Agreement, or at law, will be entitled to injunctive and other
equitable relief to prevent or curtail any breach of this Section 8.

     9 FORM OF NOTICE

     All notices given hereunder shall be given in writing, shall specifically refer to this
Agreement and shall be personally delivered or sent by telecopy or other electronic facsimile
transmission or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at the address set forth
below or at such other address as may hereafter be designated by notice given in compliance with
the terms hereof:

	 	 	 
	If to Executive:

	 	Mr. James B. Walburg
	 

	 	1340 Shady Oaks Drive
	 

	 	Southlake, Texas 76092
	 

	 	Telephone: (817) 251-8017
	 

	 	Facsimile: (817) 251-6291

 

 

	 	 	 
	If to the Company:

	 	c/o Archipelago Learning, LLC
	 

	 	3400 Carlisle Street
	 

	 	Dallas, Texas 75204
	 

	 	Attention: Chief Executive Officer
	 

	 	Telephone: (214) 379-0023
	 

	 	Facsimile: (866) 515-9145
	 
	 	 
	with a copy to:

	 	c/o Providence Equity Partners Inc.
	 

	 	50 Kennedy Plaza, 18th Floor
	 

	 	Providence, Rhode Island 02903
	 

	 	Attention: Peter O. Wilde, Jr.
	 

	 	Telephone: (401) 751-8666
	 

	 	Facsimile: (401) 751-1790
	 
	 	 
	with a copy to:

	 	Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
	 

	 	100 Federal Street 34th Floor
	 

	 	Attention: Kevin J. Sullivan
	 

	 	Telephone: (617) 772-8348
	 

	 	Facsimile: (617) 772-8333

     If notice is mailed, such notice shall be effective upon mailing, or if notice is personally
delivered or sent by telecopy or other electronic facsimile transmission, it shall be effective
upon receipt.

     10 ASSIGNMENT

     This Agreement and all rights under this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees, successors and
assigns. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to confer any right, benefit or remedy upon
any person that is neither a party hereto nor a personal or legal representative, executor,
administrator, heir, distributee, devisee, legatee, successor or assign of a party hereto. This
Agreement is personal in nature, and none of the parties to this Agreement shall, without the
written consent of the others, assign or transfer this Agreement or any one or more of its rights
or obligations under this Agreement to any other person or entity, except that the Company may
assign its rights and delegate its obligations under this Agreement to any entity that acquires all
or substantially all of its business, whether by sale of assets, merger or like transaction. If the
Executive should die while any amounts are still payable, or any benefits are still required to be
provided, to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts or benefits, unless otherwise provided
herein, shall be paid or provided in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executive’s
devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there be no such person, to the Executive’s estate.

 

 

     11 WAIVERS

     No delay or failure by any party hereto in exercising, protecting or enforcing any of its
rights, titles, interests or remedies under this Agreement, and no course of dealing or performance
with respect thereto, will constitute a waiver thereof. The express waiver by a party hereto of any
right, title, interest or remedy in a particular instance or circumstance will not constitute a
waiver thereof in any other instance or circumstance. All rights and remedies shall be cumulative
and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies.

     12 AMENDMENTS IN WRITING

     No amendment, modification, waiver, termination or discharge of any provision of this
Agreement, nor consent to any departure therefrom by either party, will in any event be effective
unless the same is in writing, specifically identifying this Agreement and the provision intended
to be amended, modified, waived, terminated or discharged and signed by the Company and the
Executive. Each amendment, modification, waiver, termination or discharge will be effective only in
the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No provision of this Agreement
will be varied, contradicted or explained by any oral agreement, course of dealing or performance
or any other matter not set forth in an agreement in writing and signed by the Company and the
Executive.

     13 APPLICABLE LAW

     This Agreement will in all respects, including all matters of construction, validity and
performance, be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State
of Delaware, without regard to any rules governing conflicts of laws.

     14 SEVERABILITY

     If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable under applicable
law, for any reason, including, without limitation, the duration of such provision, its
geographical scope or the extent of the activities prohibited or required by it, then, to the full
extent permitted by law (a) all other provisions will remain in full force and effect and will be
liberally construed in order to carry out the intent of the parties hereto as nearly as may be
possible, (b) such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect the validity,
legality or enforceability of any other provision hereof, and (c) any court or arbitrator having
jurisdiction thereover shall (and will have the power to) reform such provision to the extent
necessary for such provision to be enforceable under applicable law.

     15 COUNTERPARTS

     This Agreement, and any amendment or modification entered into pursuant to Section 12 hereof,
may be executed in any number of counterparts (including facsimile counterparts), each of which
counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
counterparts, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

 

     16 NO CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS

     The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive is not a party to or
bound by any confidentiality, noncompetition, nonsolicitation, employment, consulting or other
agreement or restriction which could conflict with, or be violated by, the performance of the
Executive’s duties to the Company or obligations under this Agreement.

     17 KEY PERSON LIFE INSURANCE

     The Executive acknowledges that the Company may wish to purchase insurance on the life of the
Executive, the proceeds of which would be payable to the Company, at the Company’s expense. The
Executive hereby consents to such insurance and agrees to submit to any medical examination and
release of medical records required to obtain such insurance.

     18 ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     This Agreement on and as of the date hereof, constitutes the entire agreement between the
Company and the Executive relating to employment of the Executive with the Company, and supersedes
and cancels any and all previous or contemporaneous contracts, arrangements or understandings,
whether oral or written between the Company and the Executive relating to his employment with or
termination from the Company; provided, that nothing contained herein shall limit or restrict the
Executive’s rights to incentive equity compensation and outstanding equity awards contemplated by
that certain Employment Agreement dated as of May 22, 2007, by and between the Company and the
Executive, and such rights are hereby expressly preserved.

The next page is the signature page.

 

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and entered into this Agreement on the date set
forth above.

     EXECUTIVE:

     /s/ James B. Walburg
     
James B. Walburg

     ARCHIPELAGO LEARNING, LLC

     By:/s/
Timothy McEwen     
     Name: Timothy McEwen
     Title: Chief Executive Officer

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