October 22, 2019
November 12, 2019 (*Reorganization Meeting begins at 5:45 followed by Regular Board Meeting)
All meetings are held at the
Columbia County School Board Administrative Complex Auditorium
372 West Duval Street - 6:00 PM
* unless otherwise stated above
Dana Brady-Giddens (District 2) was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 2012. She resides in Fort White with her husband, Andy Giddens, and their five children: Bryson, Grace, Avery, Garrett and Ashton. Dana graduated from Columbia High School and Lake City Community College before pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University. She also received her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, College of Law. Dana is currently the Chief Assistant State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. She is active in many organizations which support youth activities in Columbia County as well as youth programs in her church.
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Stephanie K. Finnell
District 5
372 W Duval Street, Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 623-3301
Elected 2012 - Term Expires 2022
Email finnells@columbiak12.com
Stephanie K. Finnell, District 5, was elected to Columbia County School Board in 2012. She has one son, Garrett who attended and graduated from Columbia County Public Schools. He continues his education at Florida Gateway College.
Ms. Finnell feels it is imperative to be an advocate for our children, parents, teachers and the entire staff to provide an excellent and safe educational experience to each student. Ms. Finnell is excited, proud and very humbled the residents of Columbia County have given her a chance to represent District 5 and the county as a whole. Ms. Finnell feels every teacher, staff member, bus driver, and family member are all an imperative part of our children's education.
Ms. Finnell is a proud graduate of Hamilton County High School. She is originally from White Springs, Florida, the home of Stephen Foster and the Historic Suwannee River. Ms. Finnell has lived in Columbia County over 23 years,where she has spent her time caring and serving others throughout our community . She understands ONE person can make a difference with a word of encouragement and a caring heart. Ms. Finnell believes wholeheardedly each of our students are unique, learn uniquely and all deserve the very best education possible.
Ms. Finnell has a passion for our children and believes “our children are our future”.
Ms. Finnell has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Valdosta State University, a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Post Master’s Degree from the University of Florida as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has experience in; Nursing Education (educator @ FGC) Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care, Women’s Health, and Long Term Care. Ms. Finnell has a great passion for education and she continues to mentor students at every level, especially those adult students desiring to become Nurse Practitioners. She currently practices at Shands Lake Shore Primary Care.
She is a member of several state and national organizations. Ms. Finnell is involved in local organizations and is active and supports extracurricular activities, whether it be academic or sports, throughout our district.
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Narragansett Smith
District 1
396 NW Oosterhoudt Lane
Lake City, Florida 32055
386-867-3456
Elected 2018 - Term Expires 2022
Email: smithn@columbiak12.com
Narrie Smith was elected November 2018. She has been happily married to J. R. for 43 years. They have two daughters Pam (Lennardo) and Nikki (Andrew). They are extremely fond of their 6 grandchildren. Narrie is a product of the Columbia County School District. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1974. She attended and graduated from the following Colleges: Lake City Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree; University of North Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Nova University with a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership retired from the Columbia County School District in May 2016 after 38 years of dedicated service. She had the honor of working as a Middle School Teacher for 23 years, Principal at Niblack Elementary School for 7 years and Assistant Superintendent of Schools for 8 years. She received the Ida Baker Minority Teacher Award in 1996. She was recognized for her leadership in bringing Niblack Elementary from a failing school to an “A” and earning the Federal Recognition of “Meeting Adequate Yearly Progress”. Narrie is the First Minority Female to serve in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Columbia County. Narrie is an active volunteer for the Columbia County School District. Her desire is to remain informed with current trends and activities within our school settings. She serves on the School Advisory Committee at Niblack also. On Sundays you will find Narrie serving as a Minister of the Gospel and Christian Education Director at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Narrie’s Motto: “I love God and His people. It is my calling to serve others to the best of my ability.”Slogan: Experience Educator striving Toward Excellence…
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Keith Hudson
District 4
198 NE Ruskin Way - Lake City, Florida 32055
(386) 758-0057 - FAX (386) 758-0066
Elected 1976 - Term Expires 2020
KEITH HUDSON (District 4) was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 1976 and is currently the longest serving school board member in the state of Florida. Mr. Hudson feels very fortunate to hold this designation and is thankful that the citizens of Columbia County have so much confidence in his leadership. Mr. Hudson is a lifelong resident of Columbia County and received his education in the Columbia County School System. He attended Melrose Park Elementary School and graduated from Columbia High School in 1968. Both of his sons also attended and graduated from Columbia High School. Mr. Hudson received an AA degree from Lake City Community College. He owns and operates two businesses in Columbia County: Keith Hudson Fiberglass and Hudson Discount Marine. Mr. Hudson supports many youth activities in Columbia County.
Mr. Hudson’s motto:
BELIEVES THAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM SHOULD ALWAYS MEET THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EACH STUDENT, WHETHER IT IS ACADEMIC, VOCATIONAL OR SPECIAL.
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Steve Nelson
District 3- Vice Chairperson
246 NW Secluded Glen - Lake City, Florida 32055
(386) 758-3294 - FAX (386) 719-7788
Elected 2002 - Term Expires 2022
Email: nelsons@columbiak12.com
Steven "Steve" Nelson was elected to the Columbia County School Board in 2002. Mr. Nelson is a lifelong resident of Columbia County where he currently lives with his wife Tassie, and three children Lauren, Brant and Breah. He and his wife both graduated from Columbia High School. He graduated from Lake City Community College and attended the University of Florida before completing his bachelors' degree in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University. He has recently completed a Masters in Business Administration degree through St. Leo University. He is a licensed physical therapist and is employed by Lake City Medical Center, where he is the Director of Rehabilitation Services and Marketing. He is active in many local, state, and national organizations including Kiwanis, and the American Physical Therapy Association.
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