School Board Seat Open After Mumford Steps Down

SNOW HILL — At a Worcester County Board of Education (BoE) meeting Tuesday, members took a moment to honor Garry Mumford, who is stepping down from the board in order to take on the position of warden at the county jail.

“Garry is leaving a legacy of advocating for all students who need a strong and steady voice,” said Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes. “He has been instrumental in promoting services and programs, such as our after school academies, which address unique needs.”

Mumford has served on the board for 12 years and has held both the position of president and vice-president during that time. According to Mumford, when he joined the board his main goal was to close the achievement gap between students.

“Dearest to my heart has always been the reduction and elimination of the achievement gap,” he said. “We have hit the gap head on, and we are seeing results.”

Mumford attributed much of the passion for his work to his father, who passed away when he was 15, and to his mother, who only just recently passed.

“Looking back over the years on my service to the Board of Education, I hope that my parents are proud of me…Everything I did, I trust that it was positive. Everything I did was to make them proud,” Mumford said.

Besides his parents, Mumford also thanked his fellow board members.

“I have truly enjoyed serving on the board and working with a great group of people for all 12 years. I am confident that they will continue to advocate for our children and their education, especially during these challenging times,” he said.

Andes was singled out in particular by Mumford for his services to the county.
“We have one of the best superintendents in the United States,” said Mumford.
He added that Worcester would need the experience and expertise of the board now more than ever.

“We have to remain competitive, yet we have diminishing resources. We’ve been maintaining the status quo because of difficult economic times, but this is tough on our teachers and families,” he said.

Though his resignation was effective as of March 31, Mumford’s term doesn’t technically expire until Dec. 31, 2012. He plans on serving on the board until a suitable replacement can be appointed.