Restructuring and Related Charges

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

In October 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring to better align the Company’s resources with student enrollments at the time. This restructuring included the closing of 20 physical locations and reductions in the number of campus-based and corporate employees. At the time of this restructuring, a liability for lease obligations, some of which continue through 2022, was recorded and measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach encompassing significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The estimation of future cash flows included non-cancelable contractual lease costs over the remaining terms of the leases discounted at the Company’s marginal borrowing rate of 4.5%, partially offset by estimated future sublease rental income discounted at credit-adjusted rates.

In 2018 and 2019, the Company incurred personnel-related restructuring charges due to cost reduction efforts and management changes. These changes related to the integration of CEC in order to establish an efficient ongoing cost structure for the Company. The severance and other employee separation costs incurred in connection with the integration of CEC are included in Merger and integration costs on the consolidated statements of income (loss).

In the third quarter of 2020, the Company began implementing a restructuring plan in an effort to reduce the ongoing operating costs of the Company to align with changes in enrollment following the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this plan, the Company has incurred, and will continue to incur through March 31, 2021, severance and other employee separation costs related to voluntary and involuntary employee terminations. In addition, the restructuring includes the closure of certain campus and corporate offices. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded approximately $0.4 million in right-of-use lease asset impairment charges and early lease termination costs related to campus and corporate locations closed as a result of the restructuring plan. All severance and other employee separation charges, right-of-use lease asset impairment charges, and early lease termination costs related to this plan are included in Restructuring costs on the consolidated statements of income (loss).

The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020 (in thousands):


			Severance and Other Employee Separation Costs
	Lease and Related Costs, Net		CEC Integration Plan		2020 Restructuring Plan		Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	8,781	$	—	$	—	$	8,781
Restructuring and other charges	—		16,319		—		16,319
Payments	(2,684)		(1,972)		—		(4,656)
Adjustments(1)	443		—		—		443
Balance at December 31, 2018	6,540		14,347		—		20,887
Restructuring and other charges	—		3,920		—		3,920
Payments	—		(9,984)		—		(9,984)
Adjustments(1)	(6,540)		—		—		(6,540)
Balance at December 31, 2019(2)	—		8,283		—		8,283
Restructuring and other charges	—		—		11,967		11,967
Payments	—		(6,448)		(10,680)		(17,128)
Adjustments	—		—		—		—
Balance at December 31, 2020(2)	$	—	$	1,835	$	1,287	$	3,122

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(1)For the year ended December 31, 2018, adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from subleases. For the year ended December 31, 2019, adjustments represent the impact of adopting ASC 842 on January 1, 2019. In accordance with ASC 842, the lease related restructuring liability balance as of December 31, 2018 was netted against the initial ROU lease asset recognized upon adoption. Asset retirement obligations related to these restructured properties are also included in the adjustments amount.

(2)The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $6.4 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities.