By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–Current Oak Mountain Intermediate School Assistant Principal Sasha Baker has been approved by the Shelby County Board of Education to take over as the new principal of Forest Oaks Elementary School after a unanimous decision by the board was made at the June 4 board meeting.

“Shelby County is a great place to work for so many reasons,” said Baker. “I feel like we’re in this together and it’s very supportive. They grow not only students but they grow their employees, their teachers, their principals and that’s not something you can get everywhere. I would say that’s the best thing about Shelby County is that it’s a team effort.”

Baker has over 12 years experience in education and has taught at Oak Mountain Intermediate School as well as Helena. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Judson College. A Masters degree in elementary education from Alabama A&M University and an Education Specialist degree in instructional leadership from the University of Montevallo.

Baker has spent the last three years as the assistant principal at Oak Mountain Intermediate School and her plan is to continue to strive for excellence at Forest Oaks.

“My goals for Forest Oaks are just to continue to strive for excellence and to grow kids to reach their full potential,” said Baker.