Michael M. Merriman, Ed.S

My name is Michael Madara Merriman and I’m extraordinarily proud to serve as the new Principal at Ralph J. Bunche Academy.

An Ohio native, I was born and raised in Warrensville Heights (Cleveland), Ohio. I graduated from Warrensville Heights High School in 2001. Since graduating high school, I’ve earned the following degrees:

·        Associates of Applied Science in Business Information Systems (AAS)

·        Bachelor of Science in Business/Management (BSB/M)

·        Master of Business Administration (MBA)

·        Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Human Resources (GHRM)

·        Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM)

·        Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership (Ed.S)

I am currently working towards my Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership with hopes of completing my studies by the summer of 2025. This will begin my 20th year in education. In that time, I’ve held a variety of positions, serving the scholars and communities of Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; and most recently Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m truly grateful to have the opportunity to serve as your principal and I look forward to accomplishing some monumental things together.

Our primary responsibility is to ensure we are providing our scholars with a safe and secure learning environment that is stimulated and motivated for high-quality, standards-based Tier I Instruction. At Bunche, it’s “Every Scholar, Every Day!” Bunche will be on one accord as we operate using the “Wolverine Way of Success!” while preparing our scholars to graduate both college and career ready. This will ensure they are able to successfully compete with their global peers.

We live in a global society that expects scholars to enter the post-secondary and job markets with the ability to think critically and make educated, well informed decisions. We’ll prepare our scholars to overcome those hurtles while also supporting their social and emotional needs.

We will ensure our scholars benefit from numerous opportunities from instructional remediation to understanding and satisfying graduation requirements. We’ll have opportunities for scholars to build presentation and public speaking skills as well as receive support with resume preparation, college applications, financial aid and paid internships.

Ralph J. Bunche Academy emphasizes the evolution of the individual scholar inside and out. We believe once a Bunche scholar, always a Bunche scholar. We encourage our alumni to “come home” and pay it forward to our aspiring graduates. We are now and will forever be #OneBunche and we will let that Wolverine Pride shine bright in everything we do.

FUN FACTS ABOUT MICHAEL:

·        Favorite Color: Purple

·        Favorite Beverage: Diet Coke

·        Favorite Food: Seafood

·        Favorite Candy: Reese’s

·        Favorite Movie: Lean on Me

·        Favorite Song: For the Cool in You (Babyface)

·        Favorite Vacation Designation: Puerto Vallarta

·        Favorite Quote:  "Boldly Declare, Courageously Pursue, and Abundantly Achieve the Extraordinary" - Amir Ghannad

Ralph J. Bunche Academy is always looking for volunteers and support partners in the Oakland community. I'm always open to hearing new ideas and suggestions.

I am so excited to serve alongside each of you as your new Principal and I look forward to us collectively writing the next chapter of Ralph J. Bunche Academy’s story.

Respectfully,

Michael M. Merriman

Michael M. Merriman, Ed.S

EDUCATOR: Principal

Ralph J. Bunche #309

991 14th Street – Building A

Oakland, California 94601

Main: 510.879.2309

Fax: 510.879.9309

#OneBunche

"Every Scholar, Every Day!"