WACO, Texas – Chilton ISD Superintendent Dr. Brandon Hubbard has been named the 2021 Region 12 Superintendent of the Year and regional nominee for the Texas State Superintendent of the Year. Hubbard has served as superintendent of Chilton ISD since 2016 and as an educator for 17 years. His previous positions include principal, assistant principal and teacher in Chilton and Waco ISD.
"We are delighted to recognize Dr. Hubbard as one of the top superintendents in the state of Texas," Executive Director of ESC Region 12 Dr. Jerry Maze said. "He was chosen by a committee of school board members from around our region for his outstanding leadership in student achievement and for his work on behalf of students, teachers and his community!”
Hubbard leads with the philosophy that "Challenge + Support = Growth." He believes that challenging students and faculty without relational support is futile and leads to irreparable frustration. Likewise, too much support without meaningful challenge leads to stifled growth and prevents organizational accountability. Therefore, he strives for a balance between a culture of high expectations and support structures for all to be successful.
Under Hubbard's leadership, Chilton ISD has a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and innovation. He challenges every staff member to "Go Beyond" demographic and statistical limits in pursuit of excellence. The CISD leader uses student data to develop staff and student support. During the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic years, psychometric analyses predicted that Chilton ISD would perform at the 'D' level based upon student demographics. Hubbard used this prediction as a rallying cry for the staff and students. In each of those academic years, the school reached a 'B' rating. Hubbard and his team are confident that they will achieve an 'A' rating through systematic instructional practices.
As an instructional leader, Hubbard believes it is crucial that he not lose touch with what matters-the classroom, which is why you can often find him tutoring 8th-grade students in mathematics. This example speaks volumes to his teachers, as does the priority he places on their professional growth.
Over the past five years, one of Hubbard's most notable accomplishments has been implementing a comprehensive social and emotional learning program for teachers and students. Through this work, the CISD culture has undergone a transformation to a belief that all things are possible for every student in this small rural community. Over the past three years, Chilton ISD has increased spending on teacher development and growth. These investments include a partnership with the AVIDinstitute, expanded Career and Technology offerings through GWAMA and GWAHCA in Waco ISD, and the development of a multi-tiered system of support instruction. His goal is to ensure that educator training reaches the application and implementation level in every classroom.
"I am humbled to be selected as the recipient of this award. "It delineates the 'Refuse To Sink' mindset of our students, staff, parents, and community," Hubbard said. "Our community has demonstrated the Chilton Pirate resolve to allow every problem to push us to greater purpose and proficiency. I am blessed and privileged to serve the Chilton ISD community. We Refuse To Sink."
Hubbard believes student involvement translates to academic achievement. Therefore, Chilton ISD has expanded student support and involvement programs. For example, the expanded community feeding program serves three meals daily to all students at no cost to the community, a critical program in an area where 80% of the community is considered impoverished. Additionally, the athletic programs have expanded to include a baseball and softball program that has provided additional extra-curricular opportunities. Hubbard's financial oversight has allowed the district to provide many upgrades, including a playground, art classroom, and updating student technology to ensure that every student has access to reliable technology devices to ensure academic success.
In a year like no other, Hubbard used a methodical approach to planning and ensuring a safe teaching and learning environment from the onset of the pandemic. In addition to working closely with community members for a safe school reentry, Hubbard implemented several new protocols and equipment, including new cleaning machines, an air purification system, desk shields for every student, and temperature scanning devices. Most notably-and extremely rare for a small, rural school-Hubbard led the establishment of an onsite health clinic for Chilton ISD students and faculty members. The clinic offers rapid COVID testing, strep and flu testing, and acute, non-emergent healthcare. Additionally, there is a possibility of expanding services to provide acute mental health care for students and staff.
"Dr. Hubbard has led Chilton ISD with compassion, poise, and innovative practices, beginning with a re-visioning process for the district, to engaging our community through multiple communication channels and most recently through his leadership during the pandemic," said CISD Board President Rodney Hall. "His commitment and dedication to the students and staff members of the Chilton ISD have caused the standard of service in our district and community to increase exponentially."
Hubbard holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University and a Bachelor's of Science and a Master’s of Science Education from Baylor University. Hubbard is the recipient of many awards, such as the Thompson Executive Leadership Institute from ESC Region 13 and the Dr. John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University. In addition, he is a member of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, Texas Association of School Administrators, and Texas Rural Education Association.
About SOTY
The Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) program by the Texas Association of School Boards, recognizes superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership. Regional winners are chosen for strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education.
The regional awardees will interview with a state selection committee in late August and five finalists will be selected. The Texas Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the TASA/TASB Convention in late September.
