By Charles Ashley Mississippi Tribune
The Mississippi Tribune has since its inception promoted the good news stories of McComb. This week we are featuring an interview with the newest principal of the McComb School System, Ms. Katrina Hines.
Charles Ashley: Principal Hines, are you married and are there any kids?
Principal Hines: Yes I’m married and have been for 9 years to Ronald Hines. He’s the head basketball coach at Independence High School. He formerly coached Brookhaven High for 7 years. We have 1 son, LaRon who attends Otken and is in the 2nd grade.
Charles Ashley: Tell me about yourself.
Principal Hines: Well, I’m 33 years old. I’m from Florence Ms. I live in Brookhaven, although we have our home on the Market for sale so I can move permanently to the great city of McComb. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Alcorn. I have a master’s from Mississippi College as a Specialist. I’m currently working on my PhD from Mississippi State. It’s a work in progress. I’ve also worked the last 3 years at McComb High School where I was over curriculum instructions.
Charles Ashley: What is your vision for Kennedy Elementary?
Principal Hines: Simply to improve academics, to improve literacy and math. The kids have got to get it. In this way it will improve how the community sees us. I want to involve the community more in the good news stories about Kennedy, about our students. That what I want and it’s going to happen.
Charles Ashley: Tell me how it’s been working with you new staff. Has is been good? Bad? Exciting? Challenging? Or all of the above?
Principal Hines: I think I’m dreaming. It’s excellent. We are more like a family. Everybody has been working together as a team and that’s what it takes for our children to be successful academically. I’m blessed to have such a great staff. It’s just unbelievable. All principals would want this type of staff.
Charles Ashley: What grades are at Kennedy?
Principal Hines: 3rd and 4th grade.
Charles Ashley: Are you confident in your abilities to lead this school considering your young age of 33?
Principal Hines: Most definitely. No doubt in my mind.
Charles Ashley: How has it been working with upper level management? Namely, Ms Palmetree and Ms. Gilmore?
Principal Hines: Ms. Palmetree is phenomenal! She really cares about these kids. Now, she’s about business and sometimes you might not understand at the time why she’s doing things a certain way, but I’m always confident that all her actions are what’s best for our kids. That is very comforting to know about you superior. It makes it so much easier to do the job you were hired to do. And Ms. Gilmore is so supportive. She’s going to get you the PR you need. I haven’t worked a lot with her since I’ve been at Kennedy but my time with her the past 3 years at McComb High was very rewarding in many ways.
Charles Ashley: How do you like McComb so far?
Principal Hines: I love McComb! It’s so full of spirit and support. I like being here mainly because I can connect with McComb. It’s a small community so I get that intimate feeling. Everyone is so connected in McComb. Overall, I think McComb is a positive place to live. I think we can do a lot more. We are bringing the right people into the school system. We are putting people in place to put our kids in a better place in the classroom.
Charles Ashley: Finally, what do you like the most doing outside of school?
Principal Hines: shopping, shopping and more shopping. I can open a store and close it all in one day other than shopping, spending time with my family.
Charles Ashley: Well, that concludes my interview. I would like to say that I’m impressed with you straightforwardness, you educational background, you family values, and most of all, your genuine love for our kids. I wish you well in all you do.
Principal Hines: Thanks!
