NORTH SHELBY – Oak Mountain High School Principal Kristi Sayers has announced her candidacy for the position of superintendent of Shelby County Schools.

Randy Fuller, who has been superintendent since 2006, announced to school system employees that he will not seek re-election for another four-year term, Sayers said, prompting her to campaign for the position.

The primary election for the position will be held in June, with the general election to follow in November.

Sayers, who will run as a Republican, said an important part of her platform is bringing together professional, parental and social capital to improve education in Shelby County

Professional capital includes opportunities for professional development, while the parental aspect entails intentionally including parents in the learning process.

“For too long, we’ve just kind of left the family out, and we all have to work together,” she said about education in general.

Social capital is encouraging residents and business leaders to invest in the schools in their communities through building relationships. The system must provide for schools based on their specific needs.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all,” Sayers said.

Other priorities for Sayers include ensuring young adults are prepared either for college or the beginning of their careers, that the school system is responsive to change, and that the system’s benefits are highlighted through public relations.

“I think I have good ideas, and I’m not afraid to act on those ideas,” Sayers said. “My goal is always to move things forward.”

Sayers is a native of Talladega County and received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education at the University of Alabama, where she met her husband of 29 years, Steve Sayers, a retired U.S. Army colonel.

The couple has two children, both of whom graduated from Oak Mountain High School.

Kristi Sayers also earned a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Montevallo and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Sayers taught at Jess Lanier High School for three years and in the Hoover City Schools system for 14 years before transitioning to Shelby County Schools as a teacher in 2009.

She was assistant principal at Pelham High School in 2011 before becoming curriculum specialist and professional development supervisor for SCS.

Sayers was appointed principal of Oak Mountain High School in May 2014.

Sayers said she thinks her experience as a teacher, administrator and parent of students positions her to be an effective superintendent.

“I’ve seen it from all different perspectives,” Sayers said. “I know what great things are happening in Shelby County, and I know what great things can happen in Shelby County schools.”

A meet-and-greet event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, at Indian Springs Town Hall, located at 2635 Cahaba Valley Road in Indian Springs Village.

Sayers said she would take questions from attendees of the event, or anyone wanting to know more about her campaign can contact her at sayersforsuperintendent@gmail.com.