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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY – After 30 years in the educational career field, Oak Mountain Middle School Principal Sandy Evers announced her plans to retire at the end of the school year.

The announcement came in a Facebook post made on Wednesday, May 14 that was filled with emotions as she closes the book on a distinguished career.

“After 30 years in education, the time has come for a new chapter,” read an official Facebook post by Sandy Evers. “After much prayer, reflection and many heartfelt conversations, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to step away from my role as principal of Oak Mountain Middle School, effective June 30, 2025. This decision is filled with emotion—heartache, uncertainty and a tightness that comes from leaving behind something you deeply love.”

Evers cited spending more time with her family as her main reason behind the decision, having not made the decision lightly and with much consultation from her loved ones.

“I’ve asked myself again and again, ‘Is this the right thing to do,'” the Facebook post said. “And each time, I come back to the same answer—when you choose family, you can never go wrong.”

Evers was named as the principal of OMMS in July 2023, succeeding Larry Haynes in the position. Prior to taking the job, she had served as an assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School since 2017.

She entered her career with a bachelor’s degree in sports science from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in education and instructional leadership certificate from the University of Montevallo. Before taking on an administrative role, she served as a physical education teacher.

In the post, Evers discussed how much her journey through education has meant to her over the years, stating that all of the memories she has made with her colleagues will forever hold a huge place in her heart.

“My journey has taken me across communities and schools, each one leaving its mark on my heart,” Evers said. “And while the work has been rewarding the true gift has been the friendships—colleagues, administrators, mentors, families, students and friends who’ve supported, inspired and stood beside me. I am deeply grateful for the love, support and the memories we’ve created together. Serving alongside you has truly been one of the greatest honors and blessings of my life.”

Evers emphasized that throughout her career, she made a promise to her family to stay in the field as long as she could keep them her top priority. For her, she felt that it was time to bring her personal motto back to her home for good.

“I’ve always tried to live by a simple mantra: Work hard. Smile often. Be kind. Call home,” Evers said. “And now, it’s time for me to truly call home—to bring my strength, my energy and my love back to where I’m needed most.”

The long-time educator thanked everyone who she worked with over the course of her time in the field, especially to those at Oak Mountain, as all four of her kids have gone through or are still going through those schools.

Oak Mountain Middle School and the Shelby County Schools Board of Education now begins the search for a new hire for a principal at the institution.

More updates will be posted at Shelbycountyreporter.com.