In less than six months, Victor Hubbard has changed the thinking and behavior of an entire campus.

Last fall, Hubbard assumed duties as principal of Kate Griffin Jr. High School, temporary site of the district’s ninth grade class. One of the oldest school buildings in the Meridian Public School District, Kate Griffin was known not for its historical value, but for its behavioral problems and low student morale.

“In order for any school to develop successfully, there has to be a rapport – with the students, the teachers, the parents and the community,” said Hubbard, a man small in stature, but big in enthusiasm when it comes to his students and staff.

And that rapport began well before the first day of the fall semester, when Hubbard and Ninth Grade Dean Howard Hagwood met with a group of teachers to organize the school’s Leadership Team.

“We put in place strong, and I do mean strong rules and procedures for the student body to abide by,” Hubbard said.

Virginia Braithwaite was among the teachers at that meeting and said it was a turning point for Kate Griffin.

“As he spoke, I realized that here was someone who could take our school site to a new level – not only with regard to learning but also in student and teacher morale and self-esteem,” said Braithwaite, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teacher.

And on that first day of school, Hubbard set into motion what he describes as a proactive system. Before classes began, the school’s 480-plus students attended a general assembly.

“At that assembly, I spoke to the student body on the importance of them following the rules, the procedures, and how the school was going to be operated from Day 1,” he said. 

“We also spoke on the importance of students knowing the consequences if they did not abide by the rules and procedures. And, we spoke about the rewards that were being put into place if they accomplished the goals that we were seeking.”

By doing this, students not only were aware of the expectations, but also were held accountable for their actions.

“We have a zero tolerance for behavior (problems),” he said.

The word “strict” is often used by both students and teachers regarding Hubbard as an administrator.

“(He) is not a soft touch. He is a strict disciplinarian, but he is fair,” said Braithwaite. 

“Mr. Hubbard does not play favorites. He tells students up front what he will do, and then he follows through. The wind does not blow one way for one person and another way for another. All students are expected to adhere to the dress code, stay to right in the hallways and do their work in their classes. If they have a problem or a suggestion, his door is always open. Same for the teachers. He expects the teachers to be in the classrooms teaching and the students in the classrooms learning.”

Hubbard also has a zero tolerance for failure – academically, that is.

“We hold students accountable for academics because there is a great need to show improvement in our academics here in the school district.”

Each day, Hubbard tells the ninth graders that they are intelligent. That reinforcement has produced positive results.

“Because of their morale, they think they are intelligent. They know they are intelligent. And now they are acting intelligent – not only in their behavior, but they also care about their academics,” he said. “And they not only do this at school, but this behavior is also carried out into the community.”

Although some students were resistant to Hubbard’s rules and procures at first, many now have a better understanding of his concepts and appreciate them.

“When I first met Mr. Hubbard, I didn’t like him,” said Benjamin Lampton. “But now I like him because he doesn’t let us fool around; he’s strict. He wants to see us achieve. We’ve started credits this year and he constantly reminds us ‘It’s time to get serious.'”

Jasmine Brookshire said learning is much easier under Hubbard’s leadership.

“He’s changed a lot. There’s no more fighting to distract you from learning. Everybody’s focused on being in class and getting their work done,” she said.

Parents are also seeing the positive results. Lateasha Hunter said the calmer atmosphere has had a positive affect on her daughter, Charday Naylor.

“Last year, she was involved in a lot of the fights – I think a lot of it was peer pressure,” Hunter said. “But the kids have seemed to calmed down since Mr. Hubbard became principal, and I see the difference in Charday.”

Parental trust is something Hubbard has worked hard at developing – not only with him, but also Dean Hagwood, faculty and staff. Prompt response to parental requests or questions has been instrumental in achieving this.

“Mr. Hubbard doesn’t shy away from interaction with parents. He has told the faculty that the parents are an integral part of the MHS-Ninth Grade family, too, and that we must make sure they know this,” said Braithwaite. “I believe the parents know this and feel a part of our family because they are an important part.” 

And while Hubbard credits prayer and faith to the success of his proactive system, he also attributes much to his teachers – who also hold him in high regard.

“Mr. Hubbard is a wonderful administrator. He is a fair and consistent leader and has led this faculty in creating a positive learning environment by treating us with respect and by affirming us as educators,” said Sylvia Hopkins, a MOD (Mississippi Occupational Diploma) teacher.

” … Because of those same qualities, he has established a relationship with the students. Although he is strict, the students know that ultimately, he has their best interest at heart.”

Hubbard not only is highly visible to students and teachers, but he is also available to them.

“He is on duty in the mornings and afternoons as students come to and as they leave campus,” Braithwaite said. “He is in the hallways during each class change and visits classrooms throughout the day. Being available and visible allows students to interact with him constantly and consistently.”

Braithwaite said one key to Hubbard’s success is that he stresses the importance of the MHS-Ninth Grade family.

“We are all part of the whole and everyone is expected to do his/her part to make the whole thing work,” she said. “The best thing is, though, everyone wants to. The students want his respect and want to be in his good graces. Teachers know that he supports them, and so they want to do their best. In fact, each day Mr. Hubbard makes a special effort – both at the beginning and end of the day – to thank both teachers and students for all their hard work.”

To date, the Ninth Grade has had only one on-campus fight, and the school’s absentee rate has significantly decreased. But what Hubbard is most proud of is the students’ academic gains.

“I told the students Day 1 that we would be a STAR School – and we are on our way,” he said.

Recently, 20 ninth graders took the ACT Explore Test and three scored in the 99 percentile nationally, while 13 scored in the 88 percentile. The three who scored in the 99 percentile made 24 out of a possible 25.

“These are just signs that students can achieve,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard is set to also show growth in the state testing areas, particularly in Algebra I, Biology I and Language II. His goal: a 95 percent or higher passing rate – not two years from now, but this year.

And to help students deal with issues and concerns, school counselors are reaching out to authorities within the community to speak at assemblies on various topics, such as teen suicide, dealing with peer pressure and matters that affect students outside of school.

To make the transition from Kate Griffin to the Meridian High School campus run smoothly, Hubbard prepared students, teachers and staff.

“Our transition to the ninth grade building was great. It was effective and orderly, because of Mr. Hubbard’s instructions,” said Samantha Hunter, Exceptional Educational teacher.

“He provided information during faculty meetings months in advance of the procedures and expectations to be followed. This was ensuring an orderly and safe environment that is conducive to learning for students, faculty, and staff. We are definitely in that environment.”

Hubbard scheduled tours for the students and teachers prior to the Christmas holidays so they would know what to expect when they first walked through the doors of the Ninth Grade Building earlier this month. He also allowed time for teachers to prepare their rooms so that everything was in place when the students returned to school, and teachers were able to pick up where they left off in December.

“I have worked under administrators in Tuscaloosa City Schools, Jefferson County Schools, as well as Meridian Public Schools, and Mr. Hubbard is the best by far,” Hunter continued. “He sets high expectations for all stakeholders, including but not limited to, faculty, staff, students and parents of Meridian High Ninth Grade. Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Hagwood, along with the faculty, staff, and student has the motto, ‘Together let us whistle the tune of success.’ We can and will excel above and beyond to ensure academic success for our students.”