BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Editor
LAKE BUTLER — Chris Hodgson was recently elected to the Union County School Board to fill the seat of the retiring Allen Parrish and, while he acknowledges that he has a lot to learn, he said he is ready to serve the community and the school district to the best of his ability.
Hodgson has lived in Union County since he was in the fifth grade (where he was among the first group of students to attend the new middle school) and is a 1990 UCHS graduate, where he played football, basketball and baseball, lettering in all three sports. He holds an associate of arts degree from Florida Gateway College in criminal justice, a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from St. Leo’s University and a Master of Science degree in criminology from Florida State University.
After graduation, Hodgson started his law enforcement career as a dispatcher for the Union County Sheriffs Office, then moved on to work in corrections in 1992, following a family tradition. He worked at Union Correctional Institution as a correctional officer for most of his career but is now employed as an Assistant Regional Director for the Florida Department of Corrections.
Finding himself near retirement and knowing he wanted to stay active, Hodgson said he decided that there was no better way to serve the community he loved than to serve on the school board. He said he told himself when he made the decision that he would not run against and incumbent that was being effective in the position, but when he discovered that Parrish was going to retire, he threw his hat in the ring.
When asked what he saw right and wrong about the school district, Hodgson had little criticism but a great deal of praise.
“Union County is so small, but it is unified on many fronts,” Hodgson said. “All of our schools are good and the district has taken care of seeing that the teachers make competitive pay and the majority of our teachers are local. The product we provide is a good was and our students graduate ready to move on to the next phase of their lives.”
“I am new to this position and still learning my role as a school board member. I have met with Superintendent Ripplinger and believe that he is moving in the right direction and am sure I can work with him. I do not have an agenda and do not see any need for change. We just have to get and keep good teachers, that is one of my main priorities. I would also, in the future, see the district build a new elementary school, or rebuild or expand the existing one so there is no need for all those portable classrooms.”
Hodgson said the schools played a big role in his life and helped him to grow and develop into who he is today. Along with well-remembered teachers who influenced him, he mentions Carlton Faulk as one of his coaches and mentors and Barry Sams as another.
“I have a tough set of shoes to fill, but I am enjoying learning this job and think I will enjoy doing it just as much,” Hodgson said. “I am lucky to come in on a board that is experienced and that feels the same way about this county that I do. I hope to learn from all of them and to be allowed to do this for a long time.”
Hodgson has been married to wife, Hollie, for almost 30 years. The couple met in high school and married after he graduated in 1990 and she in 1992. They have three grown children and three grandchildren, all Union County students. The family enjoys spending time together and attends First Baptist Church of Raiford.
Hodgson said he used to officiate youth sports and loved doing so, but now he spends his time watching games and is an avid Florida State University fan, as well as pulling for the Jaguars. He enjoys traveling with his wife to the beach and the mountains and the couple wants to spend some time in Savannah. He also said he likes to “fish a little” in either fresh or salt water.
“I just want to convey how humble and thankful at the trust the citizens of Union County have in me to serve them and I am honored and proud to be here to do it,” Hodgson said. “I am optimistic that I can do a good job for the county and validate the faith the voters have shown in me.”
