Shaker Heights Schools Announce Inclusion Efforts, Partnership

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Shaker Heights Schools are partnering with Erica Merritt, founder of development firm Equius Group, to support district-wide equity and inclusion efforts. Merritt will help the school system create diverse recruitment plans and train staff on inclusion.

"I’m thrilled that Erica and Equius will be joining us to continue guiding our equity work and to help us implement equity practices District-wide,” said Superintendent David Glasner. “We already know the lasting impact her prior work has had on the District and we look forward to partnering with her as we work to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students.”

Merritt will be expected to help Shaker Heights Schools:

• Create an implementation plan for the district's Equity Policy
• Train staff on equity and inclusion
• Facilitate community conversations on equity
• Lay groundwork for a diversity recruitment and retention plan.

The Shaker Heights Schools said Merritt will serve in this role through at least the beginning of December. She will be on-site, at the Administration Building, one day a week. She will be working with the school community the rest of the week, the district said.

Merritt has worked with Shaker Heights Schools for the past two years, beginning with the Equity Task Force. She has also hosted Let's Get Real workshops. She has 15 years of experience in organizational and leadership development. She has a bachelor's degree in public relations from Ursuline College and a master's in psychology from Cleveland State University.