CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sept. 11, 2000 -- New Forum Publishers, Inc.(TM), a leading Internet-based provider of proprietary interactive educational content, announced today that it has secured $6 million in private financing led by Walter W. Buckley Jr., president of Buckley Muething Capital Management Co., Bethlehem, Pa., and Walter W. Buckley III, president and CEO of Internet Capital Group, Wayne, Pa.

According to James S. Cassano, president and CEO of New Forum Publishers, Inc., creators of Beyond Books(TM) Internet-delivered educational programs (www.BeyondBooks.com), proceeds of the financing will be used to expand marketing and sales initiatives, and to add to the Beyond Books product line.

Plans include expansion of Beyond Books' advertising-free, interactive curriculum to more than 50 Internet-delivered educational programs for middle and high school students by the end of 2001.

Beyond Books' proprietary educational content parallels, expands on and deepens current curricula in our nation's schools. Currently, Beyond Books programs are being piloted in more than 2,500 schools throughout the United States. Teachers and students may access their Beyond Books programs by password anywhere they have access to the Internet.

"Our concept with Beyond Books is to harness the power of the Internet as an educational tool," says Cassano. "More than just another web site or online version of a textbook, all content on Beyond Books is directly related to specific courses of study. Our content is unique in its depth, breadth and originality. Students may engage and interact with this digital content, with famous guests in live chats, and with each other."

Cassano asserts that the primary factor inhibiting teachers' ability to effectively use the Internet in the classroom is the lack of engaging digital content organized to parallel school curricula. New Forum Publishers works with experienced teachers to create original content providing a foundation for inquiry, discovery, discussion and further exploration.

"New Forum Publishers provides the missing piece of the educational technology puzzle, providing an innovative tool that will enable our nation's educational communities to increase productivity, expand student opportunities and improve the quality of education," Cassano says. "I appreciate that the Buckley family's investment signifies their personal commitment to New Forum Publishers and the unique position our company holds in the education marketplace."

New Forum Publishers' approach to education is equally useful in many settings -from public, private and parochial schools to home schooling situations. Beyond Books programs also represent an excellent adjunct resource for individuals who wish to provide their children the utmost in at-home support to enhance scholastic performance.

An investment of this magnitude illustrates the Buckleys' commitment to making a lasting difference in the quality of education and a powerful endorsement of New Forum Publishers' approach and technology. BeyondBooks.com's new paradigm for learning in education places New Forum Publishers at the forefront of a communications revolution that will transform the delivery of education.

Currently, BeyondBooks.com offers programs in U.S. history, European history, ancient civilizations, American literature, English literature and earth sciences. Soon to be added are new programs in biology, physical science, chemistry, creative writing and foreign languages.

Lamar Alexander Named to Board

New Forum Publishers also is pleased to announce that Lamar Alexander, former U.S. Secretary of Education, has accepted an appointment to the company's board of directors.

Alexander, a candidate for President of the United States in 1996 and 2000, has been actively involved in education throughout his career. He served as Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush from 1991 to 1993, leading a vigorous educational reform program whose keystones included merit pay for teachers, testing to standards and school choice.

From 1988 to 1991, Alexander was president of the University of Tennessee. As governor of Tennessee from 1979 to 1987, he increased the state's education budget, instituted merit pay for teachers and led an education reform effort among the nation's governors.

Alexander offers a unique combination of expertise in both education and Internet technology. Earlier this year, Alexander co-founded Simplexis, a leading online educational service provider focusing on K-12 schools and their suppliers nationwide. Simplexis' online purchasing solution streamlines how schools research and purchase products, access suppliers and submit bids for quotes.

"Mr. Alexander is dedicated to the education of our country's youth and to encouraging our educators to teach well," Cassano says. "His contribution of experience and expertise will allow New Forum Publishers to accelerate the development and distribution of its quality content, accelerating its growth and expansion into the marketplace."

About New Forum Publishers, Inc.

New Forum Publishers, Inc., a privately held company based in Conshohocken, Pa., was founded in 1998 as a content originator and aggregator of online educational information. New Forum Publishers is dedicated to exploring the full potential of the Internet for educational uses, providing an advertising-free, content-rich, course-relevant resource for teachers and students.