Photo from Oak Mountain High School website.
New Oak Mountain High School Principal Kasey Hollington.
For Kasey Hollington, becoming principal of Oak Mountain High School isn’t the beginning of a new relationship with the school — it’s the next chapter in one she’s been writing for years.
After serving as a teacher, administrator and familiar face on campus, Hollington has been named the next principal of Oak Mountain High School. Her appointment marks more than a leadership transition; it reflects a commitment to continuity at one of Shelby County’s most recognized high schools, where she has spent the past several years helping shape the school’s culture and supporting students behind the scenes.
Hollington succeeds Andrew Gunn, who was elected superintendent of Shelby County Schools in May, creating an opportunity for the district to promote a leader already invested in the Oak Mountain community. Hollington has spent 23 years in education, with the first 18 years of her career as a classroom teacher prior to moving into administration.
Since 2018, she has served as assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. That combination of classroom and administrative experience gives her a unique perspective on supporting both teachers and students.
Hollington earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida State University and is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Speaking after the Shelby County Board of Education approved her appointment, Hollington expressed both gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.
“Being appointed the principal of Oak Mountain High School is truly a dream job, and I’m not going to take this opportunity for granted,” Hollington said during the June 25 Board of Education meeting, as reported by the Shelby County Reporter. “I am grateful and honored to be here. Thank you for trusting me to take on this role.”
She also emphasized that Oak Mountain’s success has always been a community effort.
“Oak Mountain has a long history of excellence, and it’s because of the students, the administrators, teachers, families and community members that make it such a wonderful place,” Hollington said. “I’m excited to continue my journey there and continue that growth.”
Those comments offer a glimpse into the leadership philosophy she brings to the position — one rooted in collaboration and appreciation for the community that surrounds the school.
For students returning this school year, many familiar traditions and faces will remain. The difference is that one of those familiar faces will now be leading the school from the principal’s office.
As Oak Mountain High continues its tradition of academic achievement, competitive athletics, award-winning arts programs and active student involvement, Hollington steps into the role with the advantage of already knowing the people and programs that make the school successful. Rather than learning the culture, she has helped build it.
For the Oak Mountain community, that’s a reassuring place to begin a new era.
