Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis named Cherie Hill of Lake City to the School Board of Columbia County, according to a Friday afternoon announcement from the governor’s office.
Hill is running unopposed in the election for the school board’s District 3 seat, so the governor’s appointment only means she will join the board ahead of schedule. She replaces Steve Nelson, a local physical therapist who resigned in January to take a job in Missouri after serving on the school board for two decades.
Hill, who announced her campaign shortly after Nelson’s resignation, is an adjunct instructor at Saint Leo University. She has 35 years of educational experience, according to a campaign video she released in January, including 19 years as a teacher, 12 years as a principal and three years as assistant superintendent for the Columbia County School District.
During her career, Hill was named teacher of the year several times.
Hill holds a certification in educational leadership from the University of Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Harding University and her master’s degree in elementary education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
In what ways has the Covid Event impacted Cherie Hill’s career?
Cherie Hill has always maintained a stellar reputation within the school district. What an incredibly effective and impressive principal and administrator. Steve Nelson’s departure left a big hole in our community (what great service he has offered the county) but I couldn’t imagine finding a better person to step into this role.