LRN sets 2025 meeting to vote equity plan extension and KPMG
Stride, Inc. (LRN) seeks stockholder approvals at its 2025 Annual Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET in Washington, DC. Holders of record as of October 14, 2025 may vote; 43,859,831 shares of common stock were outstanding on the record date.
Stockholders will vote on: electing eight directors; ratifying KPMG as independent auditor for fiscal 2026; an advisory Say‑on‑Pay vote; approving an amendment and restatement of the 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan to add 740,000 shares and extend the plan term to October 17, 2035; and approving a 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Directors are elected by plurality; a majority of votes present is required for Proposals 2–5. Abstentions and broker non‑votes count toward quorum and have the effect of votes against Proposals 2–5.
The Audit Committee reported fiscal 2025 audit fees of $1,575,000 (KPMG). The Board recommends voting “FOR” all proposals. Stride provides internet delivery of proxy materials and outlines procedures for proxy submission, revocation, and in‑person admission.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Routine proxy with equity plan refresh and ESPP on ballot.
Stride asks investors to reelect eight directors and ratify KPMG for fiscal 2026. Governance mechanics are standard: plurality for directors; majority of votes present for the auditor ratification, Say‑on‑Pay, the amended 2016 equity plan, and the new ESPP. The proxy details committee composition and independence consistent with NYSE rules.
The Restated 2016 Plan adds 740,000 shares and extends the plan to October 17, 2035, supporting long‑term incentives while conserving cash compensation. As of September 19, 2025, 1,590,006 shares remained available under the existing plan; the refresh targets continuity of awards. Approval effects depend on future grant decisions authorized by the Compensation Committee.
Audit oversight is supported by the Audit Committee’s report and disclosed fees of $1,575,000 for 2025. Overall, the items are typical of an annual meeting and do not, on their face, alter the company’s strategy or financial profile.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Filed by the Registrant | ☒ | ||
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant | ☐ | ||
Check the appropriate box: | |||
☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
☐ | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) |
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant) |
☒ | No fee required. | |||||
☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |||||
☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sincerely, | ||||
![]() | ||||
Steven B. Fink | ||||
Lead Independent Director | ||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. | Elect eight (8) directors to the Company’s Board of Directors each to serve for a one-year term; |
2. | Consider and vote upon the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; |
3. | Consider and vote upon a non-binding advisory resolution approving the compensation of the named executive officers of the Company (“Say-on-Pay”); |
4. | Consider and vote upon the approval of the amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan; |
5. | Consider and vote upon the approval of the Company’s 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and |
6. | Act upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sincerely, | ||||
![]() | ||||
James J. Rhyu | ||||
Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please promptly submit your proxy or voting instructions by Internet, telephone, or mail. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please refer to the instructions found on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you received in the mail or, if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials, the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form. | ||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROXY STATEMENT | 1 | ||
Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shares Entitled to Vote | 1 | ||
Quorum and Vote Required | 1 | ||
Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes | 2 | ||
Voting; Proxies | 2 | ||
Revocation | 3 | ||
Attending the Annual Meeting | 3 | ||
Proxy Solicitation | 3 | ||
Business; Adjournments | 4 | ||
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | 5 | ||
Summary | 5 | ||
Information Regarding Nominees | 6 | ||
Executive Officers | 12 | ||
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS | 14 | ||
Board Meetings; Attendance at Annual Meetings | 14 | ||
Independence of Directors | 14 | ||
Committees | 14 | ||
Director Nomination Process | 17 | ||
Communications with Directors | 17 | ||
Board Leadership Structure | 18 | ||
Risk Oversight | 19 | ||
Compensation of Non-Employee Directors | 20 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Director Compensation Table | 21 | ||
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines | 22 | ||
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors | 22 | ||
Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics | 22 | ||
Related Party Transactions | 23 | ||
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation | 23 | ||
Audit Committee Report | 24 | ||
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services | 25 | ||
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 26 | ||
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION | 27 | ||
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S 2016 EQUITY INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN | 28 | ||
Overview of Amendments to the Existing 2016 Plan | 28 | ||
Stockholder Approval Required | 29 | ||
Board Recommendation | 29 | ||
Determination of Additional Shares Under the Restated 2016 Plan | 29 | ||
Why Stockholders Should Vote to Approve the Restated 2016 Plan | 30 | ||
Description of the Restated 2016 Plan | 31 | ||
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences | 36 | ||
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | 37 | ||
Restricted Stock | 37 | ||
New Plan Benefits | 39 | ||
Plan Benefits | 40 | ||
Interests of Certain Persons in the Restated 2016 Plan | 41 | ||
Vote Required | 41 | ||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S 2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN | 42 | ||
Why Stockholders Should Vote to Approve the ESPP | 42 | ||
Stockholder Approval Required | 42 | ||
Board Recommendation | 42 | ||
Description of the ESPP | 42 | ||
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences | 46 | ||
New Plan Benefits | 47 | ||
Interests of Certain Persons in the ESPP | 47 | ||
Vote Required | 48 | ||
Recommendation of the Board | 48 | ||
SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT | 49 | ||
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION | 51 | ||
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 52 | ||
Compensation Discussion and Analysis | 52 | ||
Executive Summary | 52 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Executive Compensation Program Highlights | 56 | ||
Compensation Mix | 57 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan Formula for NEOs other than Mr. Goldthwaite: | 67 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan Formula for Mr. Goldthwaite: | 67 | ||
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT | 77 | ||
COMPENSATION TABLES | 78 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Summary Compensation Table | 78 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table | 80 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table | 82 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table | 84 | ||
Fiscal 2025 Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table | 84 | ||
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control | 85 | ||
Employment Letter Agreement with Mr. Rhyu | 85 | ||
Change in Control Arrangements with Other Named Executive Officers | 85 | ||
Severance Guidelines for Other Named Executive Officers | 86 | ||
Equity Awards | 86 | ||
Estimated Value of Termination and Change in Control Payments and Benefits | 87 | ||
CEO Pay Ratio | 88 | ||
Pay-Versus-Performance Disclosure | 89 | ||
Pay-Versus-Performance Table | 89 | ||
GENERAL MATTERS | 94 | ||
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports | 94 | ||
Stockholder Proposals and Nominations | 94 | ||
Delivery of Documents to Stockholders Sharing an Address | 94 | ||
Other Matters | 95 | ||
APPENDIX A – RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES | 96 | ||
APPENDIX B – STRIDE, INC. 2016 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN (AS AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 17, 2025) | 97 | ||
APPENDIX C – STRIDE, INC. 2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN | 115 | ||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | view our proxy materials for the Annual Meeting, including this Proxy Statement and the Stride, Inc. Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, on the Internet and vote; and |
• | instruct us to send proxy materials to you by mail or email. |
1 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AIDA M. ALVAREZ ![]() Age: 76 Director Since: 2017 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Ms. Alvarez currently serves as Chair Emerita of the Latino Community Foundation. As Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, she was a member of President Clinton’s Cabinet from 1997 to 2001. Previously, Ms. Alvarez served as the Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight from 1993 to 1997, where she was charged with financial oversight of the secondary housing market, the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Prior to that, she worked for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Bear Stearns & Company, Inc. and the First Boston Corporation. She has served on the boards of directors of Fastly, Inc. since August 2019; and Bill.com since May 2022. From 2016 to April 2025, Ms. Alvarez served on the board of directors of HP Inc.; from 2006 to June 2016, served on the board of directors of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and from 2004 to 2014, served on the boards of directors of MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation (formerly UnionBanCal Corporation) and MUFG Union Bank N.A. (formerly Union Bank N.A.). From 2014 to 2019, she served on the board of directors of Zoosk, Inc., and from 2011 to November 2022, on the board of Oportun Financial Corp. (formerly Progress Financial Corporation). | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Ms. Alvarez holds a B.A. from Harvard College. Ms. Alvarez was selected as a director because of her financial expertise, government experience and ability to bring diverse perspectives to the Board. | |||
6 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEVEN B. FINK ![]() Age: 74 Director Since: 2003 Audit Committee Chair Compensation Committee Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. Fink is the Co-Chairman of Heron International. He served as a director of Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. from 2003 to 2011 and as Chairman of the Board of Life Storage, LLC from 2013 to 2016. In addition, Mr. Fink is a member of the boards of City of Hope, St. Helena Hospital, OLE Health Foundation and the Herb Ritts Foundation. From 1999 to 2009, Mr. Fink served as a director of Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc. and was its Chairman from 2004 to 2009. From 2000 to 2008, Mr. Fink was the Chief Executive Officer of Lawrence Investments, LLC. Mr. Fink has also previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Anthony Manufacturing, Chairman and Managing Director of Knowledge Universe and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nextera Enterprises, Inc. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Mr. Fink holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a J.D. and an L.L.M. from New York University. Mr. Fink was selected as a director based on his significant experience in operations and financial oversight gained as serving as director or chairman for various public and private companies, in addition to his membership on various company audit committees which enables him to contribute significantly to the financial oversight, risk oversight and governance of the Company. | |||
7 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ROBERT E. KNOWLING, JR. ![]() Age: 70 Director Since: 2018* Compensation Committee Audit Committee Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. Knowling serves as Chairman of Eagles Landing Partners, which specializes in helping senior management formulate strategy, lead organizational transformations and re-engineer businesses. From 2002 to 2005, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the NYC Leadership Academy, an independent non-profit corporation created by Chancellor Joel I. Klein and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that is chartered with developing the next generation of principals in the New York City public school system. Mr. Knowling previously held roles as Chief Executive Officer of Telwares, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SimDesk Technologies, Inc. and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Covad Communications. He was awarded the Wall Street Project’s Reginald Lewis Trailblazers Award by President Clinton and the Reverend Jesse Jackson in 1999. Mr. Knowling serves on the board of directors for CECO Environmental Corp., Rocket Software and Stream Companies. He also previously served on the board of directors of Citrix Systems Inc. from 2020 to September 2022, Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. from 2001 to 2015, Convergys Corporation from 2017 to 2018 and Roper Technologies, Inc. from 2008 to 2021. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Mr. Knowling holds a B.A. in theology from Wabash College and an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. Mr. Knowling was selected as a director based on his experience in public education, public company leadership roles, technology and organizational development. | |||
* | As previously disclosed, Mr. Knowling resigned from the Board in April 2025 and was elected to return to the Board in September 2025. |
8 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALLISON LAWRENCE ![]() Age: 44 Director Since: 2023 Compensation Committee Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Ms. Lawrence serves as chief impact and inclusion officer at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., where she has held progressive leadership roles since joining in 2003, most recently as president of eCommerce in the tools and outdoor division, business president, vice president and chief of staff to the chief executive officer. As president of eCommerce, Allison led a global team as they drove the strategic expansion of the eCommerce business and evolved the organization’s digital capabilities to address the end-to-end customer journey. Ms. Lawrence currently leads the strategic development of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.’s enterprise culture and inclusion activities focused on driving business outcomes and maximizing positive impact for customers and end-users. Ms. Lawrence also serves on the board of Hartford Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in New England. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Ms. Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. She was selected as a director because of her expertise in brand development, digital media, and eCommerce. | |||
LIZA MCFADDEN ![]() Age: 63 Director Since: 2017 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Ms. McFadden founded LIZA and Partners LLC, which provides consulting services for nonprofits and foundations. She is the inaugural recipient of the Women Who Mean Business Award in her hometown of Tallahassee for her community service and serves on the boards of the Conservation Nation, the Florida State Parks Foundation, Village Square and the Suwannee River Area Council, Scouting America. Previously, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy from 2012 to 2018. She is a former high school teacher, Florida Department of Education administrator and served in Governor Jeb Bush’s administration. Additionally, Ms. McFadden was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the National Institute for Literacy Board. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Ms. McFadden holds an M.A. from Florida State University and a B.A. from Fitchburg State University. Ms. McFadden was selected as a director because of her expertise in educational policy and programming for adults and children, as well as her experience in working with local and state governments. | |||
9 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JAMES J. RHYU ![]() Age: 55 Director Since: 2021 Stride, Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. Rhyu joined us in June 2013, serving as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer until April 2020. In April 2020, he was appointed the Company’s President, Corporate Strategy, Marketing and Technology. In January 2021, Mr. Rhyu was appointed and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Rhyu served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Match.com, a subsidiary of publicly traded IAC/InterActiveCorp, from June 2011 to June 2013. In those roles, he was responsible for overseeing a broad range of functions, including finance, human resources, legal, information technology and operations, certain international operations and product development. Prior to his roles at Match.com, Mr. Rhyu was a Senior Vice President of Finance at Dow Jones & Company from January 2009 until May 2011, where he ran the global financial function. Previously, Mr. Rhyu served for three years as the Corporate Controller of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its predecessor company, XM Satellite Radio, as well as serving in the same role for Graftech International. Mr. Rhyu also served six years as an auditor with Ernst & Young LLP in the United States and South America. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Mr. Rhyu holds a B.S. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from the London Business School. | |||
10 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RALPH SMITH ![]() Age: 78 Director Since: 2023 Audit Committee Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. Smith currently serves as the Managing Director of The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (“CGLR”), which he launched in May 2010 as a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The CGLR supports a national network of 350+ communities in developing and implementing plans to ensure early school success for children of economically challenged families. From 1994 to 2016, Mr. Smith served on the senior management team at the Annie E. Casey Foundation (“AECF”), first as Director of Planning and Development, then Senior Vice President, and Executive Vice President. At AECF, Mr. Smith led a comprehensive effort to assist local communities committed to improving economic and educational outcomes for families and children in disinvested communities across the nation. He also previously served on the boards of directors of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. from 2005 to 2009 and Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. from 2008 to 2011. From 1983 to 1990, Mr. Smith served as Special Counsel and then as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer for the School District of Philadelphia. From 1991 to 1993, he served as a senior advisor to Philadelphia’s mayor, focusing on children and family policy. Mr. Smith was a tenured member of the law faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught education law and policy, corporations, and securities regulation from 1975 to 1997. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Mr. Smith holds Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University of Los Angeles and a law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Mr. Smith was selected as a director because of his leadership experience in education and improving access to educational resources. | |||
11 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JOSEPH A. VERBRUGGE ![]() Age: 56 Director Since: 2022 Compensation Committee Chair Audit Committee Independent | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. Verbrugge served as Chief Commercial Officer of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM”), where he oversaw all commercial activities focused on marketing, subscription revenue, automotive and streaming partnerships and retail product development and sales for various SiriusXM brands from June 2022 to July 2024. Mr. Verbrugge held various senior roles at SiriusXM since 2004, including Executive Vice President, Sirius XM Digital Subscriptions. He served as a member of the board of directors of Sirius XM Canada Inc. (previously, Toronto: XSR), and since July 2020 also serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. From 1997 to 2004, Mr. Verbrugge worked as a management consultant with The Dealy Strategy Group LLC, where he advised senior leaders of media, technology and services companies on strategy, operations and transactions. | |||
Attributes, Skills and Qualifications: | |||
Mr. Verbrugge holds a doctorate in philosophy in management studies from University of Oxford, an M.B.A. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. Mr. Verbrugge was selected as a director because of his leadership experience in marketing, partnership development, strategy, operations and human resources. | |||
DONNA BLACKMAN ![]() Age: 59 Chief Financial Officer | Professional Experience: | ||
Ms. Blackman has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since July 2022, and she previously served as the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer from May 2020 to June 2022. Prior to joining the Company, she served as the Senior Vice President of Business Operations at BET Networks from May 2017 to January 2019, where she oversaw finance, strategy, research, live events, security, facilities and operations. From July 2013 to May 2017, she held other senior roles at BET Networks, including Senior Vice President and Head of Finance, Senior Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis and Senior Vice President Finance and Controller. Earlier in her career, Ms. Blackman worked for Marriott International and KPMG in a variety of leadership roles in accounting and finance. Ms. Blackman earned an MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and a B.A. in Accounting from North Carolina State University and is a certified public accountant. | |||
12 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TODD GOLDTHWAITE ![]() Age: 55 Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. Goldthwaite has served as the Company’s Managing Director of Portfolio Companies since January 2022. Prior to this role, he was the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer from November 2017 to January 2022, Senior Vice President of School Management and Services from January 2015 to October 2017, and Vice President of Enrollment Operations from January 2013 to January 2015. Before joining the Company, Mr. Goldthwaite was the Vice President of Operations at Blackboard from January 2011 to January 2013. Earlier in his career, he held several executive roles in sales, marketing, customer service, and operations at MCI, which later became Verizon. | |||
GREERSON G. MCMULLEN, SR. ![]() Age: 63 General Counsel and Secretary | Professional Experience: | ||
Mr. McMullen has served as the Company’s General Counsel and Secretary since March 2025. Prior to this role, he was the Founder of GGM Legal Consulting from February 2024 to February 2025. From September 2020 to January 2024, he served as General Counsel and Company Secretary at LGC Ltd in London. From October 2016 to January 2020, he was Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Coty Inc. Prior to that, he held General Counsel roles at Schweitzer-Mauduit International, The ServiceMaster Company, CNL Hotels & Resorts and Global Signal Inc. He also spent several years with General Electric in various legal positions and began his private-sector legal career at Sullivan & Cromwell in Washington, D.C. and Paris. | |||
13 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Director | Audit Committee | Compensation Committee | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | |||||||
Aida M. Alvarez | X | |||||||||
Steven B. Fink | Chair | X | ||||||||
Robert E. Knowling, Jr. | X | X | ||||||||
Allison Lawrence | X | |||||||||
Liza McFadden | Chair | |||||||||
James J. Rhyu | ||||||||||
Ralph Smith | X | X | ||||||||
Joseph A. Verbrugge | X | Chair | ||||||||
14 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AUDIT COMMITTEE | ||||||||
Members: Messrs. Fink (Chair), Knowling, Smith and Verbrugge | ||||||||
Number of Meetings: 11, excluding informal meetings throughout the year | ||||||||
Independence and Qualifications: The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Fink, Knowling, Smith and Verbrugge qualifies as independent under the listing standards of the NYSE and SEC regulations and that each of Messrs. Fink, Knowling, Smith and Verbrugge is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC. | ||||||||
Responsibilities: The Audit Committee has a charter, available on our website at https://investors.stridelearning.com/governance, setting forth its structure, powers and responsibilities. Pursuant to the charter, the Audit Committee is comprised of at least three members appointed by our Board, each of whom satisfies the requirements of independence and financial literacy. Under its charter, the responsibilities of the Audit Committee include, among other things: | ||||||||
• | selecting an independent registered public accounting firm, including responsibility for the compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm; | |||||||
• | discussing with our independent registered public accounting firm the conduct of the annual audit, the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and applicable requirements regarding auditor independence; | |||||||
• | reviewing and recommending to the Board that the audited financial statements of the Company be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K; | |||||||
• | reviewing and discussing with management quarterly financial statements, earnings press releases and other financial information or earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies; | |||||||
• | reviewing and discussing with management significant accounting matters and disclosures; | |||||||
• | discussing with management and assessing the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including the Company’s information technology, privacy and data security risks as informed by semi-annual presentations to the Audit Committee; and | |||||||
• | discussing with management the Company’s significant financial risk exposure. | |||||||
In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Audit Committee charter provide that members of the Audit Committee may not serve on the audit committees of more than two other public companies at the same time as they serve on our Audit Committee unless the Board determines that such simultaneous service would not impair the ability of such member to effectively serve on the Audit Committee and such determination is disclosed in the Company’s annual proxy statement. | ||||||||
15 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE | ||||||||
Members: Messrs. Fink, Knowling and Verbrugge (Chair) and Ms. Lawrence | ||||||||
Number of Meetings: 4 | ||||||||
Independence and Qualifications: The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Fink, Knowling and Verbrugge and Ms. Lawrence qualifies as independent under the listing standards of the NYSE. | ||||||||
Responsibilities: The Compensation Committee has a charter, available on our website at https://investors.stridelearning.com/governance, setting forth its structure, powers and responsibilities. These include, among other things: | ||||||||
• | reviewing the compensation strategy of our Company; | |||||||
• | reviewing, approving and recommending corporate goals and objectives relating to the compensation of our CEO and Executive Chair and, based upon an evaluation of the achievement of these goals, recommending to the Board our CEO and Executive Chair’s total compensation; | |||||||
• | reviewing and approving salaries, bonuses and other forms of compensation for our other executive officers, including, without limitation, stock options, restricted shares and other forms of equity compensation; | |||||||
• | considering and adopting changes to our compensation structure as applicable to all non-executive officer employees, including, but not limited to, salaries and benefits; | |||||||
• | performing such duties and exercising such authority as may be assigned by the Board, including under the terms of our equity incentive and bonus plans; | |||||||
• | reviewing and, if applicable, discussing with management the Company’s programs and practices for human capital management; and | |||||||
• | reviewing and adopting, or recommending to the Board for adoption, and overseeing and administering the Company’s compliance with, any Company clawback or compensation recovery policy (including any such policy required by applicable SEC and NYSE rules). | |||||||
NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE | ||||||||
Members: Mses. Alvarez and McFadden (Chair) and Mr. Smith | ||||||||
Number of Meetings: 4 | ||||||||
Independence and Qualifications: The Board has determined that each of Mses. Alvarez and McFadden and Mr. Smith qualifies as independent under the listing standards of the NYSE. | ||||||||
Responsibilities: The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has a charter, available on our website at https://investors.stridelearning.com/governance, setting forth its structure, powers and responsibilities. These include, among other things: | ||||||||
• | recommending to the Board nominees to stand for election at the annual meeting of stockholders and recommending individuals to fill vacancies on the Board; | |||||||
• | reviewing the performance of each current director and overseeing the Board in the Board’s annual review of its performance (including its composition and organization) and the performance of management; | |||||||
• | reviewing the Board committee structure and recommending to the Board the directors to serve as members of each committee; | |||||||
• | making recommendations to the Board regarding governance matters; and | |||||||
• | recommending to the Board any proposed change to the Corporate Governance Guidelines. | |||||||
The director nomination process and the factors considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee when reviewing candidates are described below in “Director Nomination Process.” | ||||||||
16 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | personal and professional integrity, ethics, values and leadership skills; |
• | experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly traded company, and a general understanding of marketing, finance, accounting, operations, governance, executive compensation, cybersecurity and other elements relevant to the success of the Company in today’s business environment; |
• | experience in the Company’s industry and political environment and an understanding of the relevant social and public policy issues facing the Company’s business, strategy and product offerings; |
• | whether the candidate has the time required for preparation, participation and attendance at Board meetings and, if applicable, committee meetings; |
• | potential conflicts of interest with the candidate’s other professional and personal pursuits; |
• | experience as a board member of another publicly traded company; |
• | academic or policy expertise in an area of the Company’s operations; |
• | practical and mature business judgment, including the ability to make independent analytical inquiries; and |
• | a range and breadth of backgrounds and experiences. |
17 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | in consultation with our Lead Independent Director, setting the agenda for the regular and special meetings of the Board; |
• | chairing meetings of the Board; |
• | presiding at the annual meeting of stockholders; and |
• | performing such other functions and responsibilities as set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines, or as requested by the Board. |
18 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | chairing and setting the agenda for all executive sessions of the independent directors and any sessions of independent directors that a management director is invited to attend; |
• | chairing meetings of the Board when the Executive Chair and CEO is unable to attend; |
• | consulting with the Executive Chair and CEO as to the agenda for Board meetings and with the committee Chairs as to the agendas for committee meetings where appropriate; |
• | calling meetings of the independent directors and/or the non-management directors as needed; |
• | meeting regularly with the Executive Chair and CEO to discuss information required from management by the Board to perform its duties; |
• | reviewing with the Executive Chair and CEO and the Chair of the Compensation Committee the results of the annual performance evaluation of the Executive Chair and CEO; |
• | serving as a liaison between the Executive Chair and CEO and the other directors with respect to informal communications between Board meetings, if desired, thereby giving guidance to management in meeting the objectives set by the Board and monitoring compliance with corporate governance policies; and |
• | meeting with stockholders without management present, together with one or more independent directors selected by the Lead Independent Director, if requested by a stockholder and otherwise deemed appropriate by the Lead Independent Director, and reporting to the Board regarding any such meetings. |
19 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
20 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Additional Cash Retainer | ||||||||
Committee | Chair | Member | ||||||
Audit Committee | $35,000 | $10,000 | ||||||
Compensation Committee | $25,000 | $10,000 | ||||||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee | $15,000 | $10,000 | ||||||
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | All Other Compensation ($)(2) | Total ($) | ||||||||||
Aida M. Alvarez(3) | 79,592 | 250,000 | 329,592 | |||||||||||
Craig R. Barrett(4) | 85,000 | — | 85,000 | |||||||||||
Steven B. Fink(5) | 143,261 | 250,000 | 393,261 | |||||||||||
Robert E. Knowling, Jr.(6) | 105,000 | 250,000 | 61,232 | 416,232 | ||||||||||
Allison Lawrence(7) | 79,592 | 250,000 | 329,592 | |||||||||||
Liza McFadden(8) | 85,000 | 250,000 | 335,000 | |||||||||||
Ralph Smith(9) | 53,176 | 283,549 | 336,725 | |||||||||||
Joseph A. Verbrugge(10) | 86,996 | 250,000 | 336,996 | |||||||||||
(1) | Represents the aggregate grant date fair values of restricted stock awards computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 718. On December 5, 2024, each non-employee director who held such position on the date of the annual meeting was eligible to receive a restricted stock award as discussed above. Mr. Verbrugge and Ms. Lawrence elected to receive their awards in deferred stock units under the Directors Deferred Compensation Plan. Additionally, Mr. Smith elected to receive his award partially in deferred stock units. Mr. Smith has also elected to receive a portion of his cash retainer in deferred stock units. |
(2) | In connection with Mr. Knowling’s resignation from the Board effective April 15, 2025, the Board accelerated the vesting of 2,262 restricted shares granted on December 5, 2024, that otherwise would not have vested until the earlier of December 5, 2025 or the date of the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders. The amount in the All Other Compensation column represents the incremental fair value as of the modification date associated with the acceleration of his restricted shares, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. |
21 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(3) | As of June 30, 2025, Ms. Alvarez held 2,262 unvested restricted shares. |
(4) | Mr. Barrett did not stand for reelection at the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and ceased serving as a member of the Board on that date. As of June 30, 2025, Mr. Barrett held no unvested restricted shares. |
(5) | As of June 30, 2025, Mr. Fink held 2,262 unvested restricted shares. |
(6) | Effective April 15, 2025, Mr. Knowling resigned from our Board. As of June 30, 2025, Mr. Knowling held no unvested restricted shares. |
(7) | As of June 30, 2025, Ms. Lawrence held 2,262 unvested deferred stock units. |
(8) | As of June 30, 2025, Ms. McFadden held 2,262 unvested restricted shares. |
(9) | As of June 30, 2025, Mr. Smith held 565 unvested restricted shares and 1,697 unvested deferred stock units. |
(10) | As of June 30, 2025, Mr. Verbrugge held 2,262 unvested deferred stock units. |
22 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | regular executive sessions of non-management directors; |
• | independent directors except our CEO and Executive Chair; |
• | a Lead Independent Director with delineated authority and responsibility; |
• | an over-boarding policy limiting other board service; |
• | non-employee director and executive officer stock ownership guidelines; and |
• | a policy prohibiting hedging, pledging and short sales of our securities. |
23 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Members of the Audit Committee | ||||
Steven B. Fink (Chair) | ||||
Robert E. Knowling, Jr.* | ||||
Ralph Smith | ||||
Joseph A. Verbrugge | ||||
* | As previously disclosed, during fiscal 2025, Mr. Knowling served as a member of the Audit Committee until April 15, 2025. He rejoined the Audit Committee on September 16, 2025. |
24 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2025 | 2024 | |||||||
Audit Fees | $1,575,000 | $1,612,000 | ||||||
Audit-Related Fees | $— | — | ||||||
Tax Fees | $— | — | ||||||
All Other Fees | $— | $61,623 | ||||||
Total | $1,575,000 | $1,673,623 | ||||||
25 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
26 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
27 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
28 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Number of Shares | Market Value ($)(1) | |||||||
Existing 2016 Plan | 1,289,458 | 182,729,093 | ||||||
Time-based restricted stock outstanding | 575,702 | 81,582,730 | ||||||
Weighted-average remaining term of time-based restricted stock | 1.93 years | |||||||
PSUs outstanding(2) | 644,959 | 91,397,140 | ||||||
DSUs outstanding | 68,797 | 9,749,223 | ||||||
Shares available to grant | 1,590,006 | 225,319,750 | ||||||
Proposed increase to share reserve under Restated 2016 Plan | 740,000 | 104,865,400 | ||||||
(1) | Based on the closing price of our common stock on September 19, 2025 of $141.71 per share. |
(2) | PSUs shown at target. |
• | Taking into account our recent annual equity burn rates (calculated by dividing the number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the year (with outstanding performance awards counted against the share reserve at “target”), by the number of shares outstanding at the end of the applicable year) under the Existing 2016 Plan of 1.23%, 2.02% and 2.13%, respectively, in each of the past three years (resulting in a three-year average burn rate of 1.79%), we expect the share reserve under the Restated 2016 Plan to provide us with enough shares for awards for approximately two years. This assumes that we continue to grant awards consistent with our current practices and historical usage, |
29 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | If approved, the issuance of the additional 740,000 shares to be reserved under the Restated 2016 Plan represents 1.7% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 19, 2025. As of September 19, 2025, we had a total of 43,860,459 shares of common stock outstanding. |
30 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Continued Broad-Based Eligibility for Equity Awards. We grant equity awards to a large number of our employees and all of our non-employee directors. By doing so, we link employee and director interests with stockholder interests throughout the organization and motivate these individuals to act as owners of the business. |
• | Stockholder Approval is Required for Additional Shares. The Restated 2016 Plan authorizes a fixed number of shares, so that stockholder approval is required to increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock which may be issued under the Restated 2016 Plan. |
• | Limitations on Share Recycling. Shares tendered by participants to satisfy the exercise price or tax withholding obligation of an option are not “added back” to the shares available for issuance under the Restated 2016 Plan. Shares subject to a stock appreciation right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the stock appreciation right on exercise, and shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of options are also not added back to the shares available for issuance under the Restated 2016 Plan. |
• | Director Award Limit. An annual grant-date fair value limit of $750,000 per year applies to all equity and cash-based awards granted to non-employee directors (increased to $1,000,000 in the fiscal year of initial service as a non-employee director). |
• | No “Evergreen” Provision. The Restated 2016 Plan does not contain an “evergreen” provision to increase the number of shares available for grants each year. Any increase to the maximum number of shares available will require stockholder approval. |
• | No Repricing of Awards. The Restated 2016 Plan affirmatively provides that awards may not be repriced, replaced or regranted through cancellation or modification without stockholder approval if the effect would be to reduce the exercise price for the shares under the award. |
• | No Discount Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. The Restated 2016 Plan requires that all stock options and stock appreciation rights will have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock option or stock appreciation right is granted. |
• | No Dividend Payments on Unvested Awards. Dividends and dividend equivalents may be paid on awards subject to vesting conditions only to the extent such conditions are met. No dividend equivalents may be granted with respect to stock options or stock appreciation rights. |
• | No Tax Gross-Ups. The Restated 2016 Plan does not provide for any tax gross-ups. |
31 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
32 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Stock Options. Stock options may be granted under the Restated 2016 Plan, including both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, which provide the holder with the right to purchase shares of common stock at a specified exercise price. The exercise price per share for each stock option shall be set by the Administrator, but shall not be less than the fair market value on the date of the grant (or 110% of the price of an incentive stock option in the case of an individual who, on the date of the grant, owns or is deemed to own shares representing more than 10% of the stock of the Company). The term of any option award may not be longer than ten years (or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder of the Company). The Administrator will determine the time period for exercise of each award, including the time period for exercise following a termination of service by the recipient, subject to the ten-year limitation. |
• | Stock Appreciation Rights. The Administrator is authorized to grant stock appreciation rights to eligible recipients in its discretion, on such terms and conditions as it may determine, consistent with the Restated 2016 Plan. A stock appreciation right entitles the holder to exercise the stock appreciation right to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock upon exercise within a specified time period from the date of the grant. Subject to the provisions of the stock appreciation right award agreement, the recipient |
33 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Restricted Stock. The Administrator may make awards of restricted stock to eligible individuals in such amounts and at purchase prices to be established by the Administrator in connection with each award. Such awards will be subject to restrictions and other terms and conditions as are established by the Administrator. Upon issuance of restricted stock, recipients generally have the rights of a stockholder with respect to such shares, subject to the limitations and restrictions established by the Administrator in the individual award agreement. Such rights generally include the right to receive dividends and other distributions in relation to the award; however, dividends may be paid with respect to restricted stock that is subject to vesting only to the extent the vesting conditions have been satisfied and the restricted stock vests. |
• | Restricted Stock Units. The Restated 2016 Plan authorizes awards of restricted stock units to eligible individuals in amounts and at purchase prices and upon such other terms and conditions as are established by the Administrator in connection with each award. Restricted stock unit awards entitle recipients to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock in the future under certain conditions. Holders of restricted stock units generally have no rights of ownership or as stockholders in relation to the award, unless and until the restrictions lapse and the restricted stock unit award vests in accordance with the terms of the grant. Restricted stock units may be accompanied by the right to receive the equivalent value of dividends paid on shares of the Company’s common stock prior to the delivery of the underlying shares (i.e., dividend equivalent rights); however, dividend equivalents with respect to an award subject to vesting that are based on dividends paid prior to the vesting of such award will only be paid out to the holder to the extent that the vesting conditions are subsequently satisfied and the award vests. The Administrator may provide that settlement of restricted stock units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the restricted stock units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the participant’s election, in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code. |
• | Other Stock or Cash Based Awards. Other stock or cash-based awards are awards of cash, fully vested shares of the Company’s common stock and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or otherwise based on, shares of the Company’s common stock. Other stock or cash-based awards may be granted to participants and may also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of compensation otherwise payable to any individual who is eligible to receive awards. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of other stock or cash-based awards, including any purchase price, performance goals (which may be based on performance criteria), transfer restrictions and vesting conditions. |
• | Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalent rights may be granted that entitle the holder to receive the equivalent value of dividends paid on shares of the Company’s common stock prior to the delivery of the shares underlying an award; however, dividends and dividend equivalents may be paid on awards subject to vesting conditions only to the extent such conditions are met. No dividend equivalents may be granted with respect to stock options or stock appreciation rights. |
34 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
35 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
36 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
37 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
38 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name and Position | Dollar Value ($) | Number of Units | ||||||
James J. Rhyu, Chief Executive Officer | — | — | ||||||
Donna Blackman, Chief Financial Officer | — | — | ||||||
Todd Goldthwaite, Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | — | — | ||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | — | — | ||||||
Vincent W. Mathis, Former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | — | — | ||||||
All current executive officers as a group | — | — | ||||||
All employees who are not executive officers | — | — | ||||||
All non-employee directors as a group | 1,750,000 | 12,349(1) | ||||||
(1) | Pursuant to our Director Compensation Plan, each of our non-employee directors receives an automatic annual grant of shares of restricted stock on the date of each annual meeting having a fair market value as of the date of grant equal to $250,000. Amount shown represents the number of restricted shares that would be granted based on the per share value of $141.71, which was the closing price of our common stock on September 19, 2025. |
39 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name and Position | Shares Subject to Stock Options (Vested and Unvested) (#)(1) | Shares Subject to Time-Based Restricted Stock/DSUs (Vested and Unvested) (#)(1) | Shares Subject to Performance- Based Restricted Stock/RSUs (Vested) (#)(1)(2) | Shares Subject to Performance- Based Restricted Stock/RSUs (Unvested) (#)(1)(3) | ||||||||||
Named Executive Officers: | ||||||||||||||
James J. Rhyu, Chief Executive Officer | — | 546,851 | 789,806 | 394,966 | ||||||||||
Donna Blackman, Chief Financial Officer | — | 114,095 | 87,536 | 96,082 | ||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite, Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | — | 66,066 | 42,470 | 22,345 | ||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | — | 13,426 | — | 4,014 | ||||||||||
Vincent W. Mathis, Former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | — | 83,597 | 139,275 | — | ||||||||||
All current executive officers as a group (4 persons) | — | 740,438 | 919,812 | 517,407 | ||||||||||
Director nominees: | ||||||||||||||
Aida M. Alvarez | — | 44,065 | — | — | ||||||||||
Steven B. Fink | — | 45,909 | — | — | ||||||||||
Robert E. Knowling, Jr. | — | 40,032 | — | — | ||||||||||
Allison Lawrence | — | 9,121 | — | — | ||||||||||
Liza McFadden | — | 42,513 | — | — | ||||||||||
Ralph Smith | — | 10,501 | — | — | ||||||||||
Joseph A. Verbrugge | — | 13,115 | — | — | ||||||||||
All non-executive officer current directors as a group | — | 205,256 | — | — | ||||||||||
Each associate of any of such directors, executive officers or nominees | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
Each other person who received or is to receive 5% of options, warrants or rights | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
All employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group (690 persons) | — | 1,468,953 | 635,432 | 127,552 | ||||||||||
(1) | Share numbers shown do not take into account shares subject to awards that that have been cancelled, forfeited or expired unexercised. |
(2) | Vested performance-based restricted stock is shown based on the actual number of shares earned. |
(3) | Unvested performance-based awards are shown based on the target level of performance. The maximum number of performance-based awards that may vest is generally equal to 200% of the target level. |
40 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
41 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | We expect the proposed aggregate share reserve under the ESPP to provide us with enough shares for the next five years, noting that future circumstances, including employee participation rates and changes in our stock price may impact how long the aggregate share reserve lasts. We cannot predict our future share usage under the ESPP, the future price of our shares or future hiring activity with any degree of certainty at this time, and the share reserve under the ESPP could last for a shorter or longer time. |
• | The 4,000,000 shares that will be available for issuance under the ESPP represent approximately 9.12% of our 43,860,459 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 19, 2025. |
42 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
43 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Offering Periods and Purchase Periods. The ESPP will be implemented by offerings of rights to all eligible employees from time to time. Under applicable law and the terms of the ESPP, the maximum length for an offering under the ESPP is 27 months. Each offering period will consist of one or more purchase dates as determined by the Administrator. The ESPP will allow for concurrent offerings. The provisions of separate offerings need not be identical. |
• | Enrollment in the ESPP. Eligible employees will enroll in the ESPP by delivering to us an agreement authorizing payroll deductions in an amount up to the maximum amount approved by the Administrator (unless payroll deductions are not permitted in a jurisdiction outside the U.S., in which case contributions may be permitted). Pursuant to the ESPP, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, such payroll deductions will be limited to up to 15% of an employee’s eligible cash compensation during the offering. To the extent permitted by the Administrator and specified in the applicable offering, a participant may increase or decrease and/or suspend the participant’s participation level at any time during an offering. A participant may also increase or decrease the participant’s participation level to be effective in a subsequent purchase period of an ongoing offering in accordance with procedures established by the Administrator. All payroll deductions made for a participant are credited to the participant’s account under the ESPP and are included with the general funds of the Company, unless the funds for non-U.S. participants must be segregated and held in a separate account. Funds received upon sales of stock under the ESPP are used for general corporate purposes. In general, no interest will be paid on participant accounts. With respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, interest may apply to participant accounts to the extent required by applicable law and approved by the plan administrator. |
• | Purchase Price. The purchase price of the shares will not be less than 85% of the lower of the fair market value of our common stock on the first day of the offering period or on the applicable purchase date. The fair market value per share of our common stock under the ESPP is generally the closing sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date for which fair market value is being determined, or if there is no closing sales price for a share of our common stock on the date in question, the closing |
44 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Purchase of Stock. In connection with offerings made under the ESPP, the Administrator may specify from time to time a maximum number of shares of common stock an employee may be granted the right to purchase and the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be purchased pursuant to such offering by all participants. In addition, no employee may purchase more than $25,000 worth of common stock (determined at the fair market value of the shares at the time such rights are granted) under all employee stock purchase plans (intended to qualify as such under Section 423(b) of the Code) of our company and its parent and subsidiary corporations for each calendar year in which the purchase rights are outstanding at any time. Pursuant to the ESPP, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in an offering document, the maximum number of shares that may be purchased by any single participant during any offering period or purchase period is 25,000 shares. If the aggregate number of shares to be purchased upon exercise of all outstanding purchase rights would exceed the foregoing limits, the Administrator may make a uniform and equitable allocation of available shares. |
• | Participation in and Withdrawal from the ESPP. Enrolled employees will automatically participate in subsequent offerings, provided the participant has not withdrawn from the ESPP, continues to meet the eligibility requirements, and has not terminated employment with us. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in an offering document, a participant may withdraw from a given offering no later than one week prior to the end of the then-applicable purchase period. Upon any withdrawal from an offering by the participant, we will distribute to the participant all accumulated payroll deductions without interest, less any accumulated deductions previously applied to the purchase of shares of common stock on the participant’s behalf during such offering, and such employee’s rights in the offering will be automatically terminated. Any such withdrawal will not affect the participant’s eligibility to participate in future offerings under the ESPP. |
• | Termination of Employment. Unless otherwise specified by the Administrator, a participant’s rights under any offering under the ESPP terminate immediately upon cessation of an employee’s employment for any reason, and we will distribute to such employee all accumulated payroll deductions, without interest. |
45 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
46 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
47 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
48 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Shares Beneficially Owned(1) | ||||||||
Shares of Common Stock | Percent | |||||||
James J. Rhyu(2) | 777,186 | 1.8% | ||||||
Donna Blackman(3) | 131,985 | * | ||||||
Todd Goldthwaite(4) | 94,046 | * | ||||||
Vincent W. Mathis(5) | 60,759 | * | ||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr.(6) | 13,426 | * | ||||||
Aida M. Alvarez(7) | 44,065 | * | ||||||
Steven B. Fink(8) | 175,872 | * | ||||||
Robert E. Knowling, Jr. | 5,586 | * | ||||||
Allison Lawrence(9) | 9,121 | * | ||||||
Liza McFadden(10) | 30,536 | * | ||||||
Ralph Smith(11) | 10,501 | * | ||||||
Joseph A. Verbrugge(12) | 13,115 | * | ||||||
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (11 persons)(13) | 1,305,439 | 3.0% | ||||||
BlackRock, Inc.(14) | 6,328,370 | 14.4% | ||||||
The Vanguard Group(15) | 4,946,552 | 11.3% | ||||||
* | Denotes less than 1%. |
(1) | Beneficial ownership of shares is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes any shares over which a person or entity exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to applicable community property laws, to our knowledge, each stockholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by the stockholder. The number of shares beneficially owned by a person or entity includes shares of Common Stock subject to options held by that person or entity that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of October 14, 2025 and not subject to repurchase as of that date. Shares issuable pursuant to options and deferred stock units are deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage ownership of the person holding the options but are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of calculating the percentage ownership of any other person. |
(2) | Includes 153,663 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. |
(3) | Includes 39,763 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. |
(4) | Includes 5,608 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. |
(5) | Based solely on publicly available filings with the SEC, including the Form 4 filed on September 27, 2024. |
(6) | Includes 12,351 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. |
49 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(7) | Includes 2,262 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. |
(8) | Includes 2,262 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. Mr. Fink has voting and investment control with respect to the securities held by S&C Fink Living Trust. |
(9) | Includes 2,262 deferred stock units that are subject to forfeiture. |
(10) | Includes 2,262 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock that are subject to forfeiture. |
(11) | Includes 565 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock and 1,697 deferred stock units. The unvested shares of restricted Common Stock and deferred stock units are subject to forfeiture. |
(12) | Includes 2,262 deferred stock units that are subject to forfeiture. |
(13) | Includes 218,736 unvested shares of restricted Common Stock and 6,221 deferred stock units. The unvested shares of restricted Common Stock and deferred stock units are subject to forfeiture. |
(14) | Based solely on publicly available filings with the SEC, including the Schedule 13G/A filed on April 30, 2025. The address for BlackRock, Inc. is 50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. |
(15) | Based solely on publicly available filings with the SEC, including the Schedule 13G/A filed on February 13, 2024. The address for The Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. |
50 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the second column) | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | — | — | 1,875,859(1) | ||||||||
(1) | The Existing 2016 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 10,813,550 shares as of the effective date. |
51 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section | Page | ||||
Executive Summary | 52 | ||||
What Guides our Program | 60 | ||||
Compensation-Setting Process | 62 | ||||
Fiscal 2025 Executive Compensation Program in Detail | 65 | ||||
Severance and Change in Control Arrangements | 74 | ||||
Other Executive Compensation Practices and Policies | 74 | ||||
Named Executive Officer | Role | |||
James J. Rhyu | Chief Executive Officer (our “CEO”) and Executive Chair | |||
Donna Blackman | Chief Financial Officer | |||
Todd Goldthwaite | Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | |||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary(1) | |||
Vincent W. Mathis | Former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary(2) | |||
(1) | Mr. McMullen was appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective March 3, 2025. |
(2) | On October 21, 2024, Mr. Mathis submitted his resignation as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, effective as of November 3, 2024. |
52 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Strong Operating Performance. We set rigorous goals for the financial performance metrics under our Executive Bonus Plan and long-term incentive performance awards and delivered solid results for the year. The following table illustrates our strong financial performance for fiscal 2025 (in millions). |
Metric | Fiscal 2025 Actual Performance | Fiscal 2024 Actual Performance | Percentage Increase over Fiscal 2024 | ||||||||
Revenue | $2,405.3 | $2,040.1 | 17.9% | ||||||||
Income from Operations | $360.1 | $249.6 | 44.3% | ||||||||
Net Income | $287.9 | $204.2 | 41.0% | ||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income | $466.2 | $293.9 | 58.6% | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $571.0 | $390.7 | 46.1% | ||||||||
• | Strong Demand for Offerings. We continue to see strong demand for our full-time, online educational offering, finishing our third quarter fiscal 2025 with more than 240,000 students – a record number of enrollments for Stride. Parents, families and students continue to seek alternatives to the current educational system with surveys showing more than 60% of parents considered sending a child to a different school over the last year. |
53 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS


54 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS


55 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS

• | No Base Salary Increases. Our NEOs who were employees during fiscal 2024 did not receive base salary increases for fiscal 2025. |
• | Target Bonus Increases. Our NEOs received increases in their target annual bonus opportunities to further align with our pay for performance philosophy. |
• | Annual Bonus Payments Tied to Strong Financial Performance. For purposes of our Executive Bonus Plan, our NEOs’ performance for fiscal 2025 (other than in the case of Mr. Goldthwaite) was, consistent with the fiscal 2024 design, measured based on the attainment of pre-established targets for two individual metrics: revenue and Adjusted EBITDA (with each metric equally weighted). Bonus payments to such NEOs were to be paid at 50% of an individual’s target annual bonus opportunity if threshold performance was achieved, the target bonus opportunity was to be earned if target performance was achieved, and there was the ability to earn up to 200% of target bonus opportunity if the maximum “outperform” performance level was achieved. Results between performance levels were to be interpolated linearly. Performance on the revenue metric exceeded the target performance level for fiscal 2025, and performance on the Adjusted EBITDA metric exceeded the “outperform” performance level for fiscal 2025. |
• | No Annual Bonus Earned by Mr. Goldthwaite. Mr. Goldthwaite’s bonus under our Executive Bonus Plan for fiscal 2025 was measured based on the attainment of a value driver revenue metric (as further described below). A bonus payment to Mr. Goldthwaite was to be paid at 50% of his target annual bonus opportunity if threshold performance was achieved, the target bonus opportunity was to be earned if target performance was achieved, and there was the ability to earn up to 200% of the target bonus opportunity if the maximum “outperform” performance level was achieved. Results between performance levels were to be interpolated linearly. Performance on the value driver revenue metric was below the threshold level for fiscal 2025, and, therefore, no bonus was paid to Mr. Goldthwaite for fiscal 2025. |
• | Long-Term Incentives Weighted Towards Performance-Based Awards. With respect to our annual long-term incentive compensation awards, generally 60% of the total annual equity award value granted to our NEOs was granted as performance stock unit (“PSU”) awards tied to three-year performance metrics related to financial performance (adjusted operating income) and stock price growth, and the remaining 40% was granted as |
56 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS

What We Do | What We Don’t Do | ||||||||
✔ | Pay for Performance. A significant portion of our executive officers’ target total direct compensation is not guaranteed but is linked to our financial and operational performance. In fiscal 2025, in the case of our CEO, 61% of his target total direct compensation was performance-based, while 39% was retention-oriented. As for our other NEOs (excluding Mr. McMullen), on average, 61% of their target total direct compensation was performance-based, while 39% was retention-oriented. | ✘ | No Guaranteed Bonuses or Equity Awards. Except for sign-on bonuses paid in connection with hiring a new executive officer, we do not pay guaranteed bonuses and have no guaranteed equity-based awards. This ensures that we are able to base all compensation awards (other than retention-based equity awards) on measurable performance-based objectives and operational results. | ||||||
57 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What We Do | What We Don’t Do | ||||||||
✔ | Align Compensation to Growth in Stockholder Value. A portion of our multi-year long-term equity incentive program is tied to growth in our stock price which directly aligns to stockholder interests. | ✘ | No Excessive Executive Perquisites. We provide nominal perquisites to our executive officers, which are limited to payment of supplemental long-term disability and life insurance premiums, the opportunity to receive a Company-paid physical examination and, when appropriate, reimbursement of relocation expenses and temporary housing expenses. | ||||||
✔ | Establish Performance Objectives Aligned to Business Strategy. Our Executive Bonus Plan and long-term equity incentive program utilize performance-based objectives that the Committee believes are rigorous and challenging. | ✘ | No Tax Reimbursements or Gross-Ups. We do not provide income tax “gross-ups” for personal or broad-based benefits nor excise tax “gross-ups” for change in control payments or benefits. | ||||||
✔ | Target Pay Competitively. We seek to target total direct compensation within a competitive range of our compensation peer group and seek to deliver greater compensation only for superior performance. | ✘ | No Pension or Supplemental Retirement Plans. We do not provide retirement benefits to our executive officers that reward longevity rather than contributions to Company performance. | ||||||
✔ | Use Meaningful Vesting Conditions to Promote Retention. Performance-based equity awards under our long-term equity incentive program are earned and vest only to the extent that the applicable performance targets are attained and remain subject to additional time-based vesting thereafter to encourage retention if the performance period is less than three years. Generally, time-based RSAs vest over three years, with a greater percentage of the award vesting in years two and three to further promote retention. | ✘ | No Repricing of Stock Options without Stockholder Approval. Our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan expressly prohibits repricing of stock options without stockholder approval. | ||||||
✔ | Carefully Consider Stockholder Input. We regularly seek and engage in dialogue with our stockholders on executive compensation matters. Ongoing enhancements to our executive compensation program are influenced by these discussions. | ✘ | No “Single Trigger” Cash Change in Control Payments. We maintain a “double trigger” policy with respect to cash severance, whereby severance in connection with a change in control of the Company also generally requires a qualifying termination of employment. | ||||||
✔ | Maintain a Compensation Recovery (“Clawback”) Policy. We maintain a compensation recovery policy as required by Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act and the corresponding listing standards of The New York Stock Exchange, which provides for the mandatory recovery of certain erroneously awarded incentive compensation from our current and former executive officers in the event of an accounting restatement. | ✘ | No Hedging or Pledging. Our Policy Statement for the Prevention of Insider Trading specifically prohibits short sales, hedging, pledging and margin transactions, and our 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan prohibits pledging of any award granted under the plan unless otherwise permitted by the plan Administrator. | ||||||
58 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What We Do | What We Don’t Do | ||||||||
✔ | Require Mandatory Stock Ownership. All of our executive officers and our non-employee directors are required to maintain a minimum ownership level of our Common Stock. These minimum share ownership requirements are five times base salary for our CEO and Executive Chair, three times base salary for all other executive officers and five times the annual cash retainer for our non-employee directors. | ||||||||
✔ | Perform Competitive Market Analysis. The Committee reviews a competitive market analysis prepared by its independent compensation consultant for our executive officers prior to making annual executive compensation decisions. | ||||||||
✔ | Analyze Compensation Program Risk. We review our executive and other compensation programs annually to ensure that they do not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk taking. | ||||||||
59 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Link Compensation to Performance and Stockholder Interests | Compensation levels should reflect our actual performance, consistent with our business strategy, and be aligned with stockholder interests. Compensation programs should also reflect best practices and stockholder input. | ||
Engage Independent Compensation Consultant | The Committee engages an independent compensation consultant to advise the Committee and evaluate the alignment of pay and performance relative to our compensation peer group and compensation risk. | ||
Maintain Competitive Compensation Levels | Levels of compensation should be competitive with those in our peer group, as well as comparable companies in the technology industry to attract, retain and reward our employees. | ||
Reflect our Industry Circumstances and Unique Business | We strive to tailor our executive compensation program to take account of the interests of our stockholders and our industry as we execute on our long-term financial and operational business strategy. | ||
60 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Metric | Determination and Link to Performance | Purpose | |||||
Base Salary | Evaluated annually by the Committee and reviewed in light of market pay practices, retention, and each individual’s experience and critical skills. | Provide an annual income necessary to retain our executive officers. | |||||
Executive Bonus Plan | Annual performance determines payments. Ties a meaningful portion of target annual cash compensation to attaining pre-established performance goals. | Focus our executive officers on attaining financial, operational and strategic performance objectives from year to year. | |||||
Long-Term Incentives | Time-based restricted stock awards: Encourage retention of our executive officers by vesting over three years. Performance-based restricted stock unit awards: Performance targets are established based on meaningful and rigorous metrics that drive stockholder value creation. No awards will be earned if performance fails to achieve threshold performance level. | Enhance retention of key executive officers who drive consistent performance. Motivate and reward our executive officers for achievement of long-term performance objectives that increase stockholder value. | |||||
Other Compensation | Our executive officers may participate in benefit programs on the same terms as our other employees, such as health and welfare benefit plans, a 401(k) plan, life insurance and executive life and disability plans. Our executive officers may elect to participate in a non-qualified deferred compensation plan providing tax-efficient savings but receive no additional Company contributions. Premiums for executive life and disability insurance benefits are paid by the Company. | Provides benefits having high perceived values and offers tax advantages. | |||||
61 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS

• | Determining and recommending the compensation for our CEO and non-employee directors, subject to approval by the independent members of our Board. |
• | Evaluating and approving our CEO’s recommendations for the compensation of our executive officers (other than our CEO). |
• | Proposing revisions to the Committee’s charter for our Board’s approval to ensure compliance with SEC rules and NYSE listing standards. |
62 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
63 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Industry and business focus – companies in the education services, software and human resources or employment services sectors; |
• | Revenue – companies with revenue ranging from approximately 0.4x to approximately 3.0x the Company’s last four quarters revenue (which produced a target range of approximately $796 million to $6.0 billion); |
• | Market capitalization – companies with market capitalizations ranging from approximately 0.25x to approximately 7.0x the Company’s market capitalization (which produced a target range of approximately $664 million to $18.6 billion); |
• | Companies with subscription business models; |
• | Companies in industries suggested by members of the executive team; and |
• | Companies in the gaming/artificial intelligence industries. |
ACI Worldwide | Kforce | SS&C Technologies | |||||
Adtalem Global Education | Laureate Education | Smartsheet | |||||
Blackbaud | Match Group | Strategic Education | |||||
DocuSign | Nutanix | Teradata | |||||
Dynatrace | RingCentral | Yelp | |||||
Informatica | Roku | ||||||
64 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Named Executive Officer | Fiscal 2024 Base Salary | Fiscal 2025 Base Salary | ||||||
James J. Rhyu | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | ||||||
Donna Blackman | $625,000 | $625,000 | ||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | $400,000 | $400,000 | ||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | — | $475,000 | ||||||
Vincent W. Mathis | $525,000 | $525,000 | ||||||
• | each named executive officer’s position, level of responsibility, and seniority; |
• | each executive officer’s performance during the prior fiscal year; |
• | emphasis of pay for performance; and |
• | the costs associated with replacing each executive officer with an experienced, qualified person with comparable skills and expertise and the relative strength and readiness of the internal candidates identified to assume his or her role. |
65 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Named Executive Officer | Fiscal 2024 Target Annual Bonus Opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) | Fiscal 2025 Target Annual Bonus Opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) | Percentage Increase | ||||||||
James J. Rhyu | 150% | 200% | 33% | ||||||||
Donna Blackman | 100% | 150% | 50% | ||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | 50% | 100% | 100% | ||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | N/A | 75% | N/A | ||||||||
Vincent W. Mathis | 80% | 100% | 25% | ||||||||
Category | Corresponding Metric | |||
Profitability | Adjusted EBITDA | |||
Growth | Revenue | |||
66 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS


67 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Metric | Weighting | Performance Level (Threshold) | Performance Level (Target) | Performance Level (Outperform) | Actual Results | Payment Percentage | ||||||||||||||
Revenue(1) | 50% | $2,166.6 | $2,265.0 | $2,491.5 | $2,405.3 | 162% | ||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(2) | 50% | $453.0 | $476.8 | $524.5 | $571.0 | 200% | ||||||||||||||
Overall Weighted Payment Percentage | 181% | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) | For purposes of the fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan, “revenue” could be adjusted at the Committee’s discretion for any unusual, non-recurring event that was separately identified and quantified in our financial statements. No adjustments were made to revenue for purposes of determining results under the fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan. |
(2) | For purposes of the fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan, “Adjusted EBITDA” means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, less stock-based compensation, and subject to adjustment in the Committee’s discretion for any acquisition-related charges and/or any unusual, non-recurring gain or loss that was separately identified and quantified in our financial statements. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided in Appendix A. |
Metric | Weighting | Performance Level (Threshold) | Performance Level (Target) | Performance Level (Outperform) | Actual Results | Payment Percentage | ||||||||||||||
Value Driver Revenue(1) | 100% | $20.0 | $24.0 | $40.0 | $7.2 | 0% | ||||||||||||||
(1) | For purposes of the fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan for Mr. Goldthwaite, “value driver revenue” could be adjusted in the Company’s discretion for any unusual, non-recurring event that is separately identified and quantified in the Company’s financial statements. No adjustments were made to revenue for purposes of determining results under the fiscal 2025 Executive Bonus Plan for Mr. Goldthwaite. |
68 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Named Executive Officer | Revenue Achievement (50% Weighting) | Adjusted EBITDA Achievement (50% Weighting) | Percentage of Target Annual Bonus Earned (%) | Bonus Amount ($) | ||||||||||
James J. Rhyu | 162% | 200% | 181% | $3,619,426 | ||||||||||
Donna Blackman | 162% | 200% | 181% | $1,696,606 | ||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | 162% | 200% | 181% | $210,193(1) | ||||||||||
(1) | Mr. McMullen’s annual cash bonus for fiscal year 2025 was prorated in recognition of his partial year of employment. |
Named Executive Officer | Value Driver Revenue Achievement (100% Weighting) | Percentage of Target Annual Bonus Earned (%) | Bonus Amount ($) | ||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | 0% | 0% | $0 | ||||||||
69 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Named Executive Officer | Target Annual Equity Award Value1 | Time-Based Shares – RSAs (#)2 | Performance-Based Shares – PSUs1 | ||||||||||||||
Threshold (#) | Target (#) | Outperform (#) | |||||||||||||||
James J. Rhyu | $17,000,000 | 82,930 | 62,200 | 124,400 | 248,800 | ||||||||||||
Donna Blackman | $3,750,000 | 18,290 | 13,720 | 27,440 | 54,880 | ||||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | $1,000,000 | 1,210 | 5,485 | 10,970 | 21,940 | ||||||||||||
Vincent W. Mathis3 | $1,700,000 | 8,290 | 6,220 | 12,440 | 24,880 | ||||||||||||
(1) | The Committee determined the number of shares underlying the RSAs and target number of PSUs by dividing the target award value shown in the table above by the fair market value of our Common Stock on August 9, 2024, the date on which the RSAs and PSUs were granted. |
(2) | The RSAs granted to our NEOs for fiscal 2025 vest subject to our standard vesting schedule, which is semi-annually over a three-year period, with 20% of the shares of our Common Stock subject to the awards vesting in the first year and 40% vesting in each of the next two years following the grant date. |
(3) | The RSAs and PSUs granted to Mr. Mathis were forfeited upon his resignation from employment in November 2025. |
Metric | Weighting | Performance Level (Threshold) 50% Payout | Performance Level (Target) 100% Payout | Performance Level (Outperform) 200% Payout | ||||||||||
FY 2027 Adjusted Operating Income | 75% | $342.0 million | $380.0 million | $456.0 million | ||||||||||
Stock Price CAGR | 25% | 10% CAGR | 20% CAGR | 40% CAGR | ||||||||||
• | Adjusted Operating Income Metric (75% weighting). For purposes of the PSU awards, adjusted operating income is defined as operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding the stock-based compensation expense associated with any long-term equity incentive awards granted by the Committee during the performance measurement period (fiscal 2027). In addition, adjusted operating income may, at the Committee’s discretion, exclude any acquisition related charges (which would include amortization subsequent to an acquisition transaction) and any other unusual, non-recurring gain or loss that is separately identified in our financial statements. The |
70 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• | Stock Price CAGR Metric (25% weighting). The other metric used for PSU awards granted to our NEOs is related to our stock price CAGR as measured at the end of the three-year performance period. The starting point for these calculations will be equal to the average closing stock price over the 20 calendar days preceding the grant date of the award. Performance against the stock price CAGR portion of the PSU award will be assessed as of September 15, 2027 (or the next following date if September 15, 2027 is a non-trading day) and will be based on the average closing stock price over the preceding 20 calendar days. Achievement falling between the specified levels will be interpolated linearly between performance levels for the stock price CAGR metric, measured at 2.5% intervals between performance levels. |
• | Value Driver Revenue (83% weighting). For purposes of Mr. Goldthwaite’s PSU awards, value driver revenue is the sum of the revenue as reported internally for each of Tallo, Stride Tutoring, and Learning Hub as determined in accordance with GAAP. Stride Tutoring revenue is as reported, including any intracompany eliminations, net of tutor costs. Value driver revenue can be adjusted in the Company’s discretion for any unusual, non-recurring event that is separately identified and quantified in the Company’s financial statements. |
• | Adjusted Operating Income Metric (17% weighting). See description above for PSU awards granted to the other NEOs in fiscal 2025. |
71 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Metric | Weighting | Performance Level (Threshold 50%) | Performance Level (Target 100%) | Performance Level (Outperform 200%) | Actual Results | Percentage Earned | ||||||||||||||
FY 2025 Adjusted Operating Income (%) | 50% | $156.6 million | $172.3 million | $203.6 million | $419.6 million | 200% | ||||||||||||||
Stock Price CAGR (%) | 50% | 10% | 20% | 40% | 54% | 200% | ||||||||||||||
Overall Percentage of PSUs Earned | 200% | |||||||||||||||||||
Number of 2023 PSUs Earned | |||||||||||
Named Executive Officer | Adjusted Operating Income Metric | CAGR Metric | Total | ||||||||
James J. Rhyu | 116,790 | 116,790 | 233,580 | ||||||||
Donna Blackman | 41,710 | 41,710 | 83,420 | ||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | 6,670 | 6,670 | 13,340 | ||||||||
72 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
73 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
74 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Role | Ownership Requirement | |||
CEO or Executive Chair | 5.0x base salary | |||
Chief Financial Officer | 3.0x base salary | |||
Other Executive Officers | 3.0x base salary | |||
75 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
76 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Members of the Compensation Committee Joseph A. Verbrugge (Chair) Steven B. Fink Robert E. Knowling, Jr.* Allison Lawrence | ||||
* | As previously disclosed, during fiscal 2025, Mr. Knowling served as a member of the Compensation Committee until April 15, 2025. He rejoined the Compensation Committee on September 16, 2025. |
77 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name | Fiscal Year | Base Salary ($) | Bonus ($)(1) | Stock Awards ($)(2) | Nonequity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3) | All Other Compensation ($)(4) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||
James J. Rhyu Chief Executive Officer | 2025 | $1,000,000 | — | $16,860,903 | $3,619,426 | $15,766 | $21,496,095 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $1,000,000 | — | $12,011,113 | $2,596,538 | $15,473 | $15,623,124 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $880,769 | — | $7,146,186 | $1,695,886 | $14,892 | $9,737,733 | |||||||||||||||||
Donna Blackman Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | $625,000 | — | $3,718,944 | $1,696,606 | $12,777 | $6,053,327 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $625,000 | — | $3,814,459 | $1,081,891 | $12,393 | $5,533,743 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $534,423 | — | $2,551,925 | $698,306 | $13,192 | $3,797,846 | |||||||||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | 2025 | $400,000 | — | $1,334,639 | $0 | $15,641 | $1,750,280 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $400,000 | — | $759,886 | $346,205 | $15,411 | $1,521,502 | |||||||||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary(5) | 2025 | $146,154 | $100,000 | $1,498,980 | $210,193 | $8,371 | $1,963,698 | ||||||||||||||||
Vincent W. Mathis Former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary(6) | 2025 | $191,827 | — | $1,685,845 | $0 | $4,994 | $1,882,666 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $525,000 | — | $1,861,100 | $727,031 | $17,263 | $3,130,394 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $518,077 | — | $1,530,933 | $532,043 | $15,818 | $2,596,871 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) | The amount in this column for Mr. McMullen represents a cash sign-on bonus, which is subject to repayment by Mr. McMullen (on a prorated basis) should he resign within his first year of employment. |
(2) | This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. Refer to Note 9, “Equity Incentive Plan,” to the consolidated audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used to determine the grant date fair value of these awards. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units covering shares in certain of our subsidiaries granted to each of our NEOs, other than our CEO (“Subsidiary RSUs”), is based on the fair market value of the common stock of the relevant subsidiary on the date of grant, multiplied by the probability of achievement. |
78 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(3) | All amounts are reported in the fiscal year earned, regardless of when they are paid. |
(4) | The amounts in this column for fiscal 2025 consist of 401(k) plan matching contributions, Company-paid life insurance, and long-term disability insurance premiums. |
(5) | Mr. McMullen joined Stride effective March 3, 2025. |
(6) | Mr. Mathis departed Stride effective November 3, 2024. |
79 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name | Grant Date | Estimated Possible Payouts under Nonequity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | Estimated Possible Payouts under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock (#) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(12) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Threshold (#) | Target (#) | Maximum (#) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
James J. Rhyu Chief Executive Officer | — | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 4,000,000 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(2) | — | — | 46,650 | 93,300 | 186,600 | — | 7,649,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(3) | — | — | 15,550 | 31,100 | 62,200 | — | 2,411,805 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(4) | — | — | — | — | — | 82,930 | 6,799,431 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Donna Blackman Chief Financial Officer | — | 468,750 | 937,500 | 1,875,000 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(2) | — | — | 10,290 | 20,580 | 41,160 | — | 1,687,354 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(3) | — | — | 3,430 | 6,860 | 13,720 | — | 531,993 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(4) | — | — | — | — | — | 18,290 | 1,499,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/23/2024(5) | — | — | — | — | — | 60,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | — | 200,000 | 400,000 | 800,000 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(2) | — | — | 910 | 1,820 | 3,640 | — | 149,222 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(6) | — | — | 4,575 | 9,150 | 18,300 | — | 750,209 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(4) | — | — | — | — | — | 1,210 | 99,208 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/25/2024(5) | — | — | — | — | — | 15,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/25/2024(7) | — | — | — | — | — | 50,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/25/2024(8) | — | — | — | — | — | 50,000 | 103,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/25/2024(9) | — | — | — | — | — | 100,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/25/2024(10) | — | — | — | — | — | 50,000 | 233,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/25/2024(11) | — | — | — | — | — | 50,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr., General Counsel and Secretary | 3/3/2025(4) | — | — | — | — | — | 10,750 | 1,498,980 | |||||||||||||||||||||
— | 58,074 | 116,147 | 232,295 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vincent W. Mathis Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(2) | — | — | 4,665 | 9,330 | 18,660 | — | 764,967 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(3) | — | — | 1,555 | 3,110 | 6,220 | — | 241,181 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/9/2024(4) | — | — | — | — | — | 8,290 | 679,697 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/23/2024(5) | — | — | — | — | — | 50,000 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Represents the threshold target and maximum incentive awards payable under our Executive Bonus Plan based on fiscal 2025 base salaries for each NEO. For additional information regarding our Executive Bonus Plan, see “Fiscal 2025 Executive Compensation Program in Detail —Target Annual Bonus Opportunities” above. |
(2) | Represents PSUs granted under our Amended and Restated 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan that will be earned based on the attainment of adjusted operating income objectives for the three-year performance period. |
(3) | Represents PSUs granted under our Amended and Restated 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan that will be earned based on the attainment of stock price CAGR objectives for the three-year performance period. |
80 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(4) | Represents RSAs granted under our Amended and Restated 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan vesting semi-annually over a three-year period, with 20% vesting in the first year and 40% vesting in each of the next two years following the grant date. |
(5) | Represents RSUs granted under the Stride Teaching Intelligence, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest upon certain liquidity events. For additional information regarding this award, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(6) | Represents PSUs granted under our Amended and Restated 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan that will be earned based on the attainment of value driver revenue objectives for the three-year performance period. |
(7) | Represents RSUs granted under the Stride Professional Development Platform, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest upon certain liquidity events. For additional information regarding this award, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(8) | Represents RSUs granted under the Stride Online Tutoring, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest upon certain liquidity events. For additional information regarding this award, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(9) | Represents RSUs granted under the Road2Teach, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest upon certain liquidity events. For additional information regarding this award, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(10) | Represents RSUs granted under the Stride Learning Hub, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest upon certain liquidity events. For additional information regarding this award, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(11) | Represents RSUs granted under the Stride Esports, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which vest upon certain liquidity events. For additional information regarding this award, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(12) | This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. See footnote 1 to the Summary Compensation Table above for more information. |
81 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Stock Awards | ||||||||||||||
Name | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Amount of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | ||||||||||
James J. Rhyu Chief Executive Officer | 160,967(1) | 23,370,799 | ||||||||||||
58,395(2) | 8,478,370 | |||||||||||||
58,395(3) | 8,478,370 | |||||||||||||
132,670(4) | 19,262,357 | — | — | |||||||||||
44,220(5) | 6,420,302 | — | — | |||||||||||
93,300(6) | 13,546,227 | — | — | |||||||||||
31,100(7) | 4,515,409 | — | — | |||||||||||
Donna Blackman Chief Financial Officer | 42,655(9) | 6,193,079 | ||||||||||||
20,855(2) | 3,027,937 | — | — | |||||||||||
20,855(3) | 3,027,937 | — | — | |||||||||||
38,690(4) | 5,617,401 | — | — | |||||||||||
12,890(5) | 1,871,499 | — | — | |||||||||||
20,580(6) | 2,988,010 | — | — | |||||||||||
6,860(7) | 996,003 | — | — | |||||||||||
— | — | 420,000(10) | 355,200 | |||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite Managing Director, Portfolio Companies | — | — | 4,923(11) | 714,770 | ||||||||||
3,335(2) | 484,209 | — | — | |||||||||||
3,335(3) | 484,209 | — | — | |||||||||||
5,520(4) | 801,449 | — | — | |||||||||||
1,840(5) | 267,150 | — | — | |||||||||||
1,820(6) | 264,246 | — | — | |||||||||||
9,150(8) | 1,328,489 | — | — | |||||||||||
— | — | 615,000(12) | 592,000 | |||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | — | — | 10,750(13) | 1,560,793 | ||||||||||
(1) | Mr. Rhyu’s outstanding RSAs vest as follows, subject to his continued employment through the applicable vesting date: |
• | 15,572 shares vested on August 12, 2025; |
• | 23,586 shares vested on August 18, 2025 and 47,172 shares will vest semi-annually in two equal installments beginning on February 18, 2026; and |
• | 8,293 shares vested on August 9, 2025 and 66,344 shares will vest semi-annually in four equal installments beginning on February 9, 2026. |
(2) | Represents PSUs that were earned based on the attainment of adjusted operating income measured as of the end of fiscal 2025, and 100% of such earned PSUs vested on the date the Compensation Committee determined performance achievement in September 2025 (“determination date”). |
82 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(3) | Represents PSUs that will be earned based on the attainment of stock price growth measured as of September 15, 2025 (based on the average closing stock price over the preceding 20 calendar days). The number of shares reflected in the table above is based on target achievement levels. |
(4) | Represents PSUs that will be earned based on the attainment of adjusted operating income measured at the end of fiscal 2026.The number of shares reflected in the table above is based on target achievement levels. |
(5) | Represents PSUs that will be earned based on the attainment of stock price growth measured at the beginning of fiscal 2027.The number of shares reflected in the table above is based on target achievement levels. |
(6) | Represents PSUs that will be earned based on the attainment of adjusted operating income measured at the end of fiscal 2027.The number of shares reflected in the table above is based on target achievement levels. |
(7) | Represents PSUs that will be earned based on the attainment of stock price growth measured at the beginning of fiscal 2028.The number of shares reflected in the table above is based on target achievement levels. |
(8) | Represents PSUs that will be earned based on the attainment of value driver revenue measured at the end of fiscal 2027.The number of shares reflected in the table above is based on target achievement levels. |
(9) | Ms. Blackman’s outstanding RSAs vest as follows, subject to her continued employment through the applicable vesting date: |
• | 5,560 shares vested on August 12, 2025; |
• | 6,878 shares vested on August 18, 2025 and 13,756 shares will vest semi-annually in two equal installments beginning on February 18, 2026; and |
• | 1,829 shares vested on August 9, 2025 and 14,632 shares will vest semi-annually in four equal installments beginning on February 9, 2026. |
(10) | Represents 60,000 RSUs granted by each of the following subsidiaries, which will vest upon certain liquidity events of the applicable subsidiary: Stride Teaching Intelligence, Inc., Stride Professional Development Platform, Inc.; Stride Online Tutoring, Inc.; Stride Learning Intelligence, Inc.; Stride Learning Hub, Inc.; Stride Esports, Inc.; and Stride Enrichment Programs, Inc. For additional information regarding these awards, see the section above titled “Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(11) | Mr. Goldthwaite’s outstanding RSAs vest as follows, subject to his continued employment through the applicable vesting date: |
• | 888 shares vested on August 12, 2025; |
• | 982 shares vested on August 18, 2025 and 1,964 shares will vest semi-annually in two equal installments beginning on February 18, 2026; and |
• | 121 shares vested on August 9, 2025 and 968 shares will vest semi-annually in four equal installments beginning on February 9, 2026. |
(12) | Represents a number of RSUs granted by each of the following subsidiaries, which will vest upon certain liquidity events of the applicable subsidiary, as follows: Stride Teaching Intelligence, Inc.: 15,000 RSUs; Stride Professional Development Platform, Inc.: 100,000 RSUs; Stride Online Tutoring, Inc. 100,000 RSUs; Stride Learning Intelligence, Inc.: 50,000 RSUs; Stride Learning Hub, Inc.: 100,000 RSUs; Stride Esports, Inc.: 100,000 RSUs; Road2Teach, Inc.: 100,000 RSUs, and Stride Enrichment Programs, Inc.: 50,000 RSUs. For additional information regarding these awards, see the section above titled “Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
(13) | Mr. McMullen’s outstanding RSAs 1,075 shares vested on September 15, 2025; 1,075 shares will vest on March 15, 2026; and 8,600 shares will vest semi-annually in four equal installments beginning on September 15, 2026, subject to his continued employment through the applicable vesting date. |
83 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Stock Awards | ||||||||
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | Value Realized on Vesting(1) ($) | ||||||
James J. Rhyu | 189,214 | 18,275,482 | ||||||
Donna Blackman | 27,830 | 3,121,598 | ||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | 11,602 | 1,069,765 | ||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | — | — | ||||||
Vincent W. Mathis | 33,501 | 2,746,892 | ||||||
(1) | Represents the value of vested shares calculated by multiplying (i) the gross number of shares acquired on vesting by (ii) the closing market price of our Common Stock on the date of vesting. |
Name | Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($)(1) | Company Contributions in Last Fiscal Year ($) | Aggregate Earnings / (Losses) in Last Fiscal Year ($) | Aggregate Withdrawals / Distributions ($) | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($) | ||||||||||||
James J. Rhyu | 359,654 | — | 221,837 | (28,624) | 2,436,742 | ||||||||||||
Donna Blackman | 456,787 | — | 94,074 | — | 1,125,512 | ||||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Vincent W. Mathis | — | — | 7,718 | — | 182,556 | ||||||||||||
(1) | All contributions have been previously reported within the Summary Compensation Table. |
84 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
85 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
86 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Name | Payment | Death ($) | Disability ($) | Termination Without Cause ($) | Constructive Termination / Good Reason ($) | Change in Control (no Termination) ($) | Change in Control (and Qualifying Termination) ($) | ||||||||||||||||
James J. Rhyu | Salary Continuation | — | — | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | — | 2,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Bonus | — | — | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | — | 6,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefit Continuation(1) | — | — | 23,315 | 23,315 | — | 46,630 | |||||||||||||||||
RSA Vesting(2) | 23,370,799 | 23,370,799 | — | — | — | 23,370,799 | |||||||||||||||||
PSU Vesting(3) | — | — | — | — | 60,701,035 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Donna Blackman | Salary Continuation | — | — | 625,000 | 625,000 | — | 937,500 | ||||||||||||||||
Bonus | — | — | — | — | — | 1,406,250 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefit Continuation(1) | — | — | 17,336 | 17,336 | — | 26,004 | |||||||||||||||||
RSA Vesting(2) | 6,193,079 | 6,193,079 | — | — | — | 6,193,079 | |||||||||||||||||
PSU Vesting(3) | — | — | — | — | 17,528,789 | — | |||||||||||||||||
RSU Vesting(4) | — | — | — | — | 355,200 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Todd Goldthwaite | Salary Continuation | — | — | 400,000 | 400,000 | — | $600,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Bonus | — | — | — | — | — | 600,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefit Continuation(1) | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
RSA Vesting(2) | 714,770 | 714,770 | — | — | — | 714,770 | |||||||||||||||||
PSU Vesting(3) | — | — | — | — | 3,629,750 | — | |||||||||||||||||
RSU Vesting(4) | — | — | — | — | 592,000 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | Salary Continuation | — | — | 475,000 | 475,000 | — | 712,500 | ||||||||||||||||
Bonus | — | — | — | — | — | 534,375 | |||||||||||||||||
Benefit Continuation(1) | — | — | 8,829 | 8,829 | — | 13,243 | |||||||||||||||||
RSA Vesting(2) | 1,560,793 | 1,560,793 | — | — | — | 1,560,793 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) | Amounts shown represent an estimate of the cost to provide continued health, medical, dental and vision benefits. |
(2) | Amounts shown include the dollar value of the portion of outstanding RSAs that would vest in each of the circumstances described above. |
(3) | Amounts shown include the dollar value of the portion of PSUs that would vest upon a change in control of the Company assuming target achievement as it relates to the applicable performance metrics and the closing price of our Common Stock on June 30, 2025. |
(4) | Amounts shown include the dollar value of the RSUs that would vest upon a change in control of the Company based on the fair market value of the RSUs as of June 30, 2025. For additional information regarding the Subsidiary RSUs, see the section above titled “Long-Term Incentive Compensation – Subsidiary Equity Awards.” |
87 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
88 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fiscal Year | Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO 11 | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO 12 | Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO 21 | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO 22 | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO Named Executive Officers3 | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO Named Executive Officers4 | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: | Net Income7 | Company- Selected Measure: Revenue8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Stockholder Return5 | Peer Group Total Stockholder Return6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b1) | (c1) | (b2) | (c2) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 | $ | $ | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | $ | $ | N/A | N/A | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | The dollar amounts reported in columns (b1) and (b2) represent the amount of total compensation reported for |
89 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(2) | The Compensation Actually Paid to our PEOs reflects the following adjustments required by applicable SEC rules from total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table: |
PEO 1 | Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2022 | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
Summary Compensation Table – Total Compensation | (a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | (b) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
+ | Fair Value at Fiscal Year End of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | (c) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years | (d) | $ | $ | -$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Fair Value at Vesting of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year | (e) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year | (f) | $ | $ | -$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
− | Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year End of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year | (g) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
= | Compensation Actually Paid | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
PEO 2 | Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2022 | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
Summary Compensation Table – Total Compensation | (a) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | (b) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
+ | Fair Value at Fiscal Year End of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | (c) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years | (d) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Fair Value at Vesting of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year | (e) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year | (f) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
− | Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year End of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year | (g) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
= | Compensation Actually Paid | (h) | $ | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||
90 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(3) | The dollar amounts reported in column (d) represent the average of the amounts of total compensation reported for our named executive officers (our “NEOs”) as a group (excluding our PEOs) for each covered fiscal year in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table for each applicable fiscal year. The names of each NEO included for purposes of calculating the average amounts of total compensation in each covered fiscal year are as follows: |
Fiscal 2025 | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2022 | Fiscal 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | Donna Blackman | • | Donna Blackman | • | Nathaniel A. Davis | • | Nathaniel A. Davis | • | Timothy J. Medina | |||||||||||||||||||
• | Todd Goldthwaite | • | Todd Goldthwaite | • | Donna Blackman | • | Timothy J. Medina | • | Kevin P. Chavous | |||||||||||||||||||
• | Greerson G. McMullen, Sr. | • | Vincent W. Mathis | • | Vincent W. Mathis | • | Vincent W. Mathis | • | Vincent W. Mathis | |||||||||||||||||||
• | Vincent W. Mathis | • | Les Ottolenghi | • | Les Ottolenghi | • | Les Ottolenghi | • | Shaun E. McAlmont | |||||||||||||||||||
(4) | The Compensation Actually Paid to our NEOs (excluding our PEOs) on average reflects the following adjustments required by applicable SEC rules from total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table: |
NEO Average | Fiscal 2021 | Fiscal 2022 | Fiscal 2023 | Fiscal 2024 | Fiscal 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
Summary Compensation Table – Total Compensation | (a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | (b) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
+ | Fair Value at Fiscal Year End of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | (c) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years | (d) | $ | $ | -$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Fair Value at Vesting of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Fiscal Year That Vested During Fiscal Year | (e) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
+ | Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years For Which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year | (f) | $ | $ | -$ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
− | Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year End of Stock Awards and Option Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years That Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year | (g) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
= | Compensation Actually Paid | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
(5) | Total stockholder return is calculated by assuming that a $100 investment was made on the close of trading on June 30, 2020 and reinvesting all dividends until the last day of each reported fiscal year. |
(6) | The peer group used is a select group of comparator companies, as used in the stock performance graph shown in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the covered fiscal year. For the fiscal year ending |
91 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(7) | The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net income (loss) reflected in our audited financial statements for each covered fiscal year. |
(8) | Total |
• |
• |
• |

92 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS


93 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
94 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
95 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Year Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||
($ thousands) | |||||||||||
Net income | $126,867 | $204,183 | $287,941 | ||||||||
(Income) loss from equity method investments | 334 | (977) | 2,271 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 45,346 | 64,482 | 93,007 | ||||||||
Other income, net | (15,452) | (26,900) | (33,629) | ||||||||
Interest expense, net | 8,404 | 8,812 | 10,504 | ||||||||
Income from operations | 165,499 | 249,600 | 360,094 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 20,320 | 31,462 | 36,794 | ||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 15,208 | 12,878 | 9,867 | ||||||||
Depreciation and other amortization | 95,150 | 96,805 | 104,802 | ||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | 0 | 0 | 59,478 | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $296,177 | $390,745 | $571,035 | ||||||||
Year Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||
($ thousands) | |||||||||||
Income from operations | $165,499 | $249,600 | $360,094 | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 20,320 | 31,462 | 36,794 | ||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 15,208 | 12,878 | 9,867 | ||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets | 0 | 0 | 59,478 | ||||||||
Adjusted operating income | $201,027 | $293,940 | $466,233 | ||||||||
96 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
97 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
98 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
99 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
100 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
101 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
102 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
103 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
104 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
105 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
106 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
107 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
108 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
109 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
110 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
111 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
112 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 | NTD: Represents the sum of (1) the original share reserve on Original Effective Date (3,746,829 Shares), plus (2) the increase in share reserve under the 2022 Restated Plan (1,045,000 Shares), plus (3) the increase in share reserve under this amended and restated Plan (740,000 Shares), plus (4) any Shares which were subject to awards under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Award Plan (and any other prior equity incentive plans of the Company or its predecessor) on the Original Effective Date which became available for issuance under the Plan on or after the Original Effective Date and prior to September 19, 2022 (2,575,628 Shares). |
113 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
114 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
115 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
116 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
117 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
118 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
119 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
120 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
121 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
122 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
123 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
124 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
125 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
126 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
127 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
128 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
129 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
130 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FAQ
When and where is Stride, Inc. (LRN) holding its 2025 Annual Meeting?
What is the record date and outstanding shares for LRN’s 2025 Annual Meeting?
What proposals are on Stride’s 2025 proxy ballot?
How does the amended 2016 Equity Incentive Award Plan change under Proposal 4 for LRN?
What voting standards apply to Stride’s proposals?
Who is Stride’s independent auditor and what were 2025 audit fees?
How can LRN stockholders vote or attend?












