The following is a statement from Voyager Expanded Learning's Public Relations officer, Shannan Walsh, declining News 12's request for an interview.

Please realize this has been a difficult decision for us. Initially, we were headed down the path of agreeing to an interview. But, the way the situation played out forced us to re-evaluate our position, and given the timing and other factors, we decided to decline. We understand the direction of your questions and we believe that an objective review would indicate clear evidence of Voyager's positive impact on reading in Richmond County elementary schools. Consider that five years ago only 17 of Richmond County's elementary schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). As of spring 2006, 30 out of the 35 schools using the Voyager curriculum have made AYP. In addition, 86 percent of Richmond County students in the Voyager program for four consecutive years passed the 2005-2006 CRCT exam, higher than the passing rate for both the district and the state.

Are we pleased with this progress? Yes. Are we satisfied? No. Voyager will have achieved its goal when every child in Augusta learns to read. In partnership with the district, Voyager remains committed to that goal.

Consistent with that goal, we stand by our guarantee. Our guarantee provides extra time and curriculum for in-school, after school and summer intervention. At the end of the 2005-2006 school year, 132 of the 919 third grade students (approximately 14%) in the Voyager program for four years were eligible under the guarantee for additional reading intervention in summer school and into the fourth grade, if needed, at no cost. We provided those resources and continue to work with the district to provide additional help during the fourth grade school year for those students who continue to struggle with reading.

Although we do not know the full nature of your report, we expect if you proceed you will fairly and accurately reflect this information. Please let me know how I can be of further assistance.