Sylvan Learning Center customers have options after Columbia facility closes

COLUMBIA — The owner of Columbia's Sylvan Learning Center should have the money to meet shut-down obligations, especially to customers, a spokeswoman for Sylvan Learning Inc. said in a statement Monday.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Gaegler said owner Jack Stanley owes Sylvan and Sylvan's National Advertising Committee more than $400,000, most of which she says is related to revenue he received during the past two years.

"We understand that Jack Stanley owns other assets as well as Sylvan Learning centers and, as such, should have the resources to meet his obligations," Gaegler said in a news release.

The Sylvan Learning centers in Columbia, Jefferson City and Washington, Mo., and Bentonville and Fayetteville, Ark., closed Friday. All of these centers were owned and operated by Stanley.

In a previous news release from Stanley, he said he could no longer keep up with the operating costs of the centers.  In an e-mail Monday night, he said he would comment more Tuesday.

Students who have prepaid for classes have a few options, Gaegler said in the release.  Sylvan Learning Inc. said it will help provide students with other reading and math programs though Sylvan Online or other educational options within the community.  Parents should contact Sylvan Online Virtual Learning Center at 800-514-1639.

Should a family require a refund, the request must be directed to Jack Stanley, Stanley Learning Inc., 3005 Chinaberry Suite A, Columbia, MO 65201, or by calling 875-8631, Gaegler said.