andrew mugford

Andrew Mugford grew up in Toronto but moved to Stratford with his wife and two young children in December 2020. He has always had a heart for service. Whether it was spending 9 years in the Toronto Public Service or working for other non-profits, he has always preferred to help others than focus on making tons of money. For the last 9 years, he has worked for a University and understands the importance of quality education and the absolute necessity of challenging traditional thinking about what’s possible.

Growing up with a learning disability in a time when it wasn’t really understood, Andrew understands what it’s like to feel like you don’t belong. He believes in a strong, fully funded education system that exists for the benefit of all. It is our responsibility to prepare the way for the younger generation and prepare them as people of character for the challenges and opportunities ahead. It is also our responsibility to listen to them.

1. What will be your unique contribution as school board trustee?

Personal experience: I grew up with a learning disability and know what it’s like not to be properly supported or understood by one’s peers or teachers. I also have two children with disabilities, so I am very aware of how difficult it can be sometimes for students to self-advocate and for parents to partner with the school board.

Commitment to Character: I care about your academic progress, but more importantly I care about your character. I care about who you become as a person. I want you to be able to have dreams and believe they are possible.

2. How will you encourage schools in the board to respond to climate change?

Climate change is an existential threat to our future. To your future. There are many things we could do, such as reduce the amount of paper sent home - by replacing it with digital forms, but more importantly, I’d love to meet with engaged students such as those in the eco-club to hear your ideas. You live this and have to live with the decisions made today. Let’s hear it.

3. How would you support student lead projects?

Student-led projects are so cool. I love seeing what’s important to children and young adults because your priorities are the priorities of the next generation and help us dream of a better future. I want to find ways for you to have the opportunity to showcase your projects not just within your schools, but across the City of Stratford, if not beyond

4. How would promote a safe and equitable learning environment for LGBTQ+ students?

5. How would promote a safe and equitable learning environment for BIPOC students?

Answering 4&5 together:

All humans have inherent worth and deserve to be dealt with in a respectful way regardless of their race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc. Given that I’m relatively new to Stratford I would want to first listen to the students represented by the groups to hear their concerns and how we can enhance programs, policies, etc to make sure they feel like they belong at AMDSB. As I stated in my answer to question one, I care most about your character development. A key part of that is how we treat each other. I also try to constantly challenge my own understanding and not assume that I must know what it’s like to be BIPOC or LGBTQ+ in 2022 in school and the City of Stratford.

6. How would promote a safe and equitable learning environment for students with learning disabilities?

My answers to questions 1, 4 and 5 pretty much cover this. I would want to make sure that every parent of a child with any disability, understands their rights and how to access them. Education is a partnership between educators, the student and their parents. Giving every child the tools they need to succeed is a priority.

7. How would you support students who are living in poverty and tackle child hunger?

Identify these students’ specific challenges and see how the board can meet those needs. Whether it’s breakfast programs or working with the (in my case) City of Stratford to see if there are opportunities for cooperation, such as reduced transit fares for lower-income students.

8. What is your plan to better politically engage youth in Stratford?

I would love to host mock elections in high schools leading up to election time, a model UN program to help educate students on how our democracy works and how they can effectively participate as a voter or as someone running for office. While it’s outside the scope of a trustee's duties, I think we should lower the voting age to 16.