The Unit 5 school district has hired a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Kristal Shelvin will assume the role beginning July 1.
Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle said Shelvin will oversee implementation of the district’s equity action plan. She also will work with stakeholders in the district and community on issues related to curriculum, communication, and staff diversity.
The Unit 5 school board approved Shelvin’s hiring during Wednesday’s meeting at Normal Community West High School.
“I feel like this is just one more example of truly Unit 5 being on the cutting edge, because I don’t know of any other central Illinois school districts that have a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Weikle told the board.
“Lots are talking about it, but we are the first in our region to do it.”
Shelvin has been an educator for 11 years. She’s spent the past nine years supervising school psychologists, social workers, and interns at the Livingston County Special Services Unit. While there, she also coordinated the Livingston County Children’s Network. Shelvin also has worked as a school psychologist for Rockford Public Schools.
Shelvin earned a master's degree in education administration, and a doctorate in school psychology, both from Illinois State University.
