Former Shelby County superintendent candidate and Vincent High School principal Gary Minnick announced his endorsement of Tom Ferguson June 14.

&8220;Having thoroughly considered what I know of each remaining candidate&8217;s experience, achievements, leadership style, platform, integrity, personal interactions and the feedback I received about them during my thousands of contacts on the campaign trail, I offer this endorsement with confidence that Mr. Ferguson is the clear choice to move our system forward,&8221; Minnick said.

Ferguson finished second to Oak Mountain High School principal Randy Fuller in the June 6 primary election with 35 percent of the vote. Fuller garnered 39 percent of the vote.

&8220;I was very happy to hear that I had received Mr. Minnick&8217;s endorsement,&8221; Ferguson said. &8220;Throughout this campaign Gary and I have been able to talk with each other and get more perspective on each other&8217;s points of view.&8221;

The two will square of in a July 18 runoff.

Ferguson said he hoped voters who cast their ballot for Minnick in the June 6 primary would follow his endorsement in the runoff.

&8220;We need to bring his voters and my voters together,&8221; Ferguson said. &8220;I feel like Gary and I have been able to talk and find common ground on a number of issues.&8221;

Minnick said his endorsement came with the hope that it would help Shelby County find the most capable superintendent.

&8220;I make this endorsement on the basis of who I trust to implement the majority of the platform that was strongly supported by those who voted for me. I owe this to them, as well as the children and taxpayers of Shelby County,&8221; Minnick said. &8220;In return, I have asked for no deals or favors, other than to provide proactive leadership of the highest integrity for the sake of our children.&8221;

Minnick said he encouraged voters to consider casting their ballot in the July 18 superintendent runoff for Ferguson.

&8220;Let&8217;s get behind Tom to ensure his election for the purpose of making Shelby County Schools better.&8221;