Stratford Election 2025: Kenneth L. Pugh Running For Board Of Education

STRATFORD, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Stratford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning and more.

Stratford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Kenneth L. Pugh is running for election to the Stratford Board of Education as a Democrat.

Occupation:
Business Owner

Family:
My wife Samantha Pugh is an Assistant Principal at Stratford High School with over 20 years at the school. We have three children Kiara who is 34 and Kenneth Jr. who is 32, both graduates of our school system. Bringing up the rear is Kaleb who is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade at Chapel Elementary

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
No I have not held any public office

Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for the Stratford Board of Education because I believe every child in our community deserves a clear path to success. As someone who grew up in Stratford, I know firsthand the potential of our schools—and I also know the challenges we must overcome.

I am committed to ensuring that our teachers and staff have the resources, support, and respect they need to do their jobs well. When educators thrive, students thrive. I also want our district to better reflect the diversity of our community by hiring and retaining more teachers and administrators of color, because representation matters in education.

Most importantly, I am running to strengthen the partnership between schools, families, and the community. By raising academic achievement, increasing parental involvement, and creating safe and inclusive learning environments, we can make Stratford a place where every child is seen, supported, and prepared for the future.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Our single most pressing issue facing my constituents is achievement gaps and this is what I intend to do about it. How I Can Help Address Them:

As a member of the Board of Education, I will work to:

Advocate for hiring and retaining more diverse teachers and leaders, so students feel represented and inspired.

Support initiatives that raise academic achievement and close opportunity gaps, including after-school programs and tutoring.

Encourage greater family engagement through advisory committees, community events, and open communication channels.

Champion teacher and staff support, making sure they have the tools, training, and fair working conditions they need to succeed.

Promote safe, inclusive learning environments where students’ mental health and well-being are prioritized.

By addressing these challenges and seizing our opportunities, Stratford can strengthen its schools and become a model community where every child thrives.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart is my deep personal connection to Stratford, my lifelong commitment to this community, and my belief that education is the foundation of opportunity. I am a proud product of Stratford Public Schools—educators here helped shape my character, direction, and future. That experience drives my passion to ensure every student today has the same chance to succeed.

I bring a perspective grounded in **community engagement, equity, and collaboration**. I understand the importance of building bridges—between schools and families, teachers and administrators, and the district and the wider community. My focus is on supporting teachers, hiring and retaining a diverse staff that reflects our students, and improving student achievement through real partnership.

In addition, my personal experience—combined with my wife’s career as a Stratford educator and now an administrator—gives me a firsthand understanding of the challenges teachers face every day. I will always approach decisions with empathy, balance, and the goal of doing what’s best for both our students and the staff who serve them.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
As a member of the Board of Education, I will:

Advocate for hiring and retaining diverse educators, to inspire and represent all students.

Build stronger partnerships with parents through advisory groups and open forums.

Support teachers and staff with the tools, training, and working conditions they need.

Promote safe, inclusive, and supportive schools where every student feels valued.

Tackle budget challenges by promoting transparency, setting clear priorities, and exploring creative solutions such as shared services, grants, and community partnerships. I will focus on making sure every dollar goes directly to supporting student learning, not unnecessary overhead.

By addressing these challenges and using our strengths, Stratford can build schools where every child thrives—and where families are proud to call this community home.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I think my work as an executive in the automotive field has groomed me for this opportunity. I learned how to lead and more importantly listen to the issues of those around me and discern how to best help them. Professionally, I’ve built a track record of leadership, teamwork, and accountability—skills that directly translate to serving effectively on the Board of Education. I’ve worked with diverse groups to solve problems, manage budgets responsibly, and make decisions that put people first.

In addition, my long-standing commitment to Stratford—through volunteering, mentoring youth, and advocating for community improvement—shows that I don’t just talk about change, I work for it.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My high school track coach Bob Newell taught me to be the kind of man that people can depend on. To show up no matter how tough things got because being present was sometimes all people need

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
The kids of this town mean the world to me. I don't know them all by name but I was one of them many years ago. I came back to Stratford after the Navy to raise my oldest 2 kids because of my experience. This town has a lot to offer our kids but someone has be looking out for their best interest. Not the best interest of any one party. I promise l will be that person. Just like the dozen or so people I can name off the top of my head that were there for me growing up. Giving back to this town and these kids are my mission. I want every kid in this town to have a success in their future whatever that maybe. I don't want them to give up or feel like they aren't good enough. I want to live in this town we call Stratford where "Every child wins"