The road ahead
Burnley brings a depth of professional expertise to his new role at Shaker.
Paul Benson, provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs at the
University of Dayton, describes Larry as having “a big heart and a capacious
soul.” He says, “Larry made an extraordinary impact here. He recruited an
outstanding staff, oversaw the most comprehensive assessment of campus
climate we have had, and led the development of a strategic framework for
the University’s work over the next four years to advance diversity, equity, and
inclusion.” He also helped forge valuable community connections resulting in
entrepreneurship and venture development in the surrounding area.
Burnley’s first order of business in Shaker is a listening, learning, and
visioning tour. “I have a vision of inclusive excellence, but I don’t have a
predetermined vision of the DEI work and how that will happen in Shaker,” he
says. “I realize there’s a train that’s moving here, and I can sense the anticipation
and excitement for what’s coming. I want to be responsive to the need without
getting ahead of it.”
Superintendent David Glasner is thrilled to add Burnley’s talents to the
senior leadership team of the Shaker Heights Schools. “The DEI department
under Larry’s leadership will continue the important work to disrupt societal
and historical inequities and eliminate disparities within our District so that all
our students and staff can thrive,” he says. “His experience, leadership, and
expertise will drive forward the Strategic Plan and Educational Equity Policy
created by the District.”
Burnley’s first order of business in Shaker
64 SPRING 2022 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
is a listening, learning, and visioning tour.
/WWW.SHAKER.LIFE