Thank You!
Despite an unusual and challenging year, the Shaker Schools Foundation’s important work continues – because of you! The Donor Appreciation Report is our way of sharing our gratitude for your involvement and demonstrating the many ways we put your donations to work in service of our mission.Â
Donor Appreciation Report
Please take a moment to read about some of the success stories made possible by your support. Thank you for keeping our Mission in Motion!
Our Mission
The Shaker Schools Foundation provides resources to enrich the educational experiences of students of the
Shaker Heights City Schools. The Shaker Schools Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our History
Established in 1981, the Shaker Schools Foundation was one of the first in the nation to raise funds for a public school system. Since then, we have raised more than $3 million to support the tradition of excellence that sets the Shaker schools apart. Through the robust support of individual donors, community partners, and grants from local and national foundations, we are able to make a difference in the lives of all Shaker students at every grade level throughout the District.
Our Staff
Holly Coughlin, Executive Director
Laura Orazi, Director of Development
Erica Verderber, Senior Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Proe, Social Media and Marketing Associate
Holly Wang, Development Associate
Sharon Galin, Alumni Liaison
Board of Trustees
Dorothea Polster, President
Stasia Vavruska, Vice President
Doug Wang, Treasurer
Cathy Zbanek, Secretary
Eileen Anderson
Cathy Belk
Michael Bowen
Pawan K. Divakarla
Mark Freeman (Life Trustee)
David Glasner
Ayesha Bell Hardaway
Christopher Hunter
Cliff Mendelsohn
Lisa Nersesian Richardson
Philip Rowland-Seymour
Carter Strang
Brian Sullivan
Annette Tucker Sutherland
Brittany Webb
Advisory Committee
Anne Borchert, Co-chair
Nancy Karr, Co-chair
Jennifer Lawry Adams
Joanie Adler
Jamie Babbit
Maxine Isaacs
Kathryn Jones
Peter Lawson Jones
Barb Miller
K.J. Montgomery
Chris Nance
Marjorie Newman
Zach Paris
Terry Pollack
Deborah Ratner, Emeritus
Ronald Ratner
Susan Ratner
Robin Weaver