Aaron Bridges, Cleveland County School Board Vice Chairman Seeks Re-Election

Cherryville, NC (WNN)- Aaron Bridges, the current Vice Chairman of the Cleveland County School Board, is running again for a republican spot on the Cleveland County, NC School Board. He is competing with eight other people for four open positions.

Bridges first won his seat in 2022 and says he wants to keep working on maintaining the district's academic improvement after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Four Years Down, Four More Ahead

Bridges grew up in Cleveland County and attended Cleveland County Schools. He attended Jefferson Elementary and finished high school at Kings Mountain. He currently lives in Shelby with his wife and their four kids, who are enrolled in Cleveland County Schools, spanning grades from pre-K to 12th grade.

Staff Retention: The District's Biggest Challenge

Bridges explains that he observes the way school board decisions shape daily situations and impact classrooms. "I see the choices we make and how they shape the lives of our teachers and affect what's happening in classrooms," Bridges said. "I feel proud of what we accomplish. I want to keep serving on the board to make logical decisions and watch the progress we're achieving continue."

Aaron Bridges during his WNN Studio interview - Cherryville, NC - February 4th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

When discussing the district's main issues, Bridges said staff retention is a major challenge for Cleveland County and schools across North Carolina. "Teachers deserve better pay, and they want better pay," Bridges stated. "From what I hear, keeping staff is a major concern. We need to figure out how to keep employees from leaving."

Teacher pay in North Carolina is among the lowest in the country. Bridges believes lawmakers should boost education funding to retain skilled professionals. "Just like any company in the U.S., you have to compensate talent," he explained. "You need to pay people if you want them to stay." The board is working on ways to raise salaries for teachers and staff.

The school board has partnered with Cleveland County commissioners to increase teacher salaries. They now offer a 10% pay supplement to teachers and a 4% supplement to cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and janitors. These extra payments are given out twice a year, in November and May.

Bridges mentioned that many teachers choose to retire after 30 years of service, often in their 50s, because continuing to work is not beneficial. Some move to South Carolina for better-paying teaching positions. "Some teachers retire and then cross state lines to South Carolina, where they take another teaching job because the pay is higher there," he explained.

Taking a Stand Against Censorship

The board faced backlash over two issues: a policy limiting board members' ability to speak to the media and an effort to sell the Marion Elementary School property. Bridges opposed both decisions.

Aaron Bridges during his WNN Studio interview - Cherryville, NC - Feburuary 4th, 2026

Mason Beam (WNN)

He rejected the communications policy because he believes board members, as elected officials, should answer to the public. Bridges said, "I'm an elected official. People voted for me to have my voice heard. If I can't speak to the media or the public, then I'm being silenced." Bridges voted against selling the Marion Elementary property because he felt the community needed a stronger voice. "I noticed some red flags, and I thought the public deserved more input on that property," Bridges said. The board has now paused the property sale.

Students Scoring Higher, Gaining College Credits

Bridges mentioned rising test scores and better performance as proof of the district's progress. "Scores are improving. Students are gaining more knowledge. They're back in classrooms," he said. "Many kids graduate from Cleveland County schools already holding their associate's degree. They take college courses because of our strong connection with Cleveland Community College."

He stressed that leaving the COVID era behind has allowed new strategies to help students perform better. "Students have returned. It's been a few years now, but scores are going up. Learning is happening. Kids are in classrooms again," he explained.

A Voice Representing Everyone, Not Just a Few

Bridges made it clear that he is not part of a team of candidates and isn't driven by any political motives. "I want to listen to every perspective from our board members. I don't think it should reflect one group," he explained. "I'm not teaming up with other candidates. My focus is genuine. I care about the school system because, as I've said, I have kids in it, and I grew up in it too."

He also said he is open to collaborating with anyone to accomplish the goals ahead. "Politics don't matter to me. What's important is doing the right thing for our schools," Bridges stated.

Bridges shared his hope that his candidacy will encourage the younger generation to pursue roles in office. "Being among the youngest on the Board of Education, I think it's time for younger people to step up and run for office," he said.

Watch the Full Interview

You can watch the full interview below to hear Bridges' full thoughts on each issue. The Republican candidate decision will be made on March 3rd, 2026.  Early voting starts on February 12th and runs through the 28th.  The mail-in (absentee) ballot request deadline is February 17th.  Mail-in ballots started going out to voters on January 12th.