Another gem is the pride our students and families have in our district whether it’s in athletics, the arts, or academic achievement, there’s a deep sense of community here.
Meet the Candidate
Welcome to the 2025 election season series ‘Political Q&A’ – interviews with candidates throughout Pennsylvania. Since 2013, we’ve published nearly 150 of these interviews. We use an email Q&A format to allow the candidates to speak directly to you, the readers.
Candidates can be anywhere in Pennsylvania running for any level of office. Please note that these are not necessarily endorsements, more of an opportunity for candidates to connect with the LGBTQ community, progressives neighbors, and others with an interest in Pennsylvania. If your candidate would like to participate, contact us pghlesbian at gmail dot com. We welcome candidates at all levels of government across the entire Commonwealth. We publish in the order that they are returned and will accept Q&A’s until Election Day.
Please note that Pennsylvania has over 500 school districts. We’d like to talk with candidates in any one of them. Tell your district’s story statewide.
Important to note that I do not edit the responses, including their framing of LGBTQ identities.
These Q&A’s are lengthy because there is a lot of ground to cover. This year, I created about 20 questions per candidate. This is and should be a deep dive because you deserve as much information as possible.
By participating in this Q&A series, candidates are saying that they
- are an LGBTQIA+ ally, specifically supporting equality and dignity for transgender persons
- identify as pro-choice
Amy Bridges is the first candidate for any school board to participate this year. She also reached out after reading my open call for candidates to participate. I always think that is a good sign – candidates who recognize the value of a LGBTQ focused audience versus waiting for me to invite them. School board candidates should be under close scrutiny nationwide.
Then I realized Amy is an out trans woman. Running for school board in rural Western Pennsylvania community. You should be paying close attention to her race.
New Castle is in Lawrence County, between Beaver and Mercer counties. It was the location of a terrible murderer of a young trans Latina during the pandemic, but also has an emerging pride celebration. There is hope in this community and Amy’s campaign is another reason why.
Name: Amy Bridges
Pronouns: She/Her
Office Sought in This Election: New Castle, PA School Director
How do you describe your identity?
I’m a proud trans woman, a Southerner at heart, and a passionate advocate for public education. I believe in making schools a safe and welcoming place for every student, regardless of their background. My experience in business, technology, and community engagement has shaped my commitment to ensuring our schools provide every child with the resources they need to succeed.
Our schools should be places where every student feels safe, valued, and equipped for success. I’m running for School Board because I believe in the power of public education to change lives
Tell us about your school district. What is a hidden gem most people might not know about?
New Castle Area School District serves a diverse community, and one of its hidden gems is the dedication of our educators. Despite challenges, we have teachers and staff who go above and beyond for their students every day. Another gem is the pride our students and families have in our district whether it’s in athletics, the arts, or academic achievement, there’s a deep sense of community here.
In this election cycle, how many School Board seats are on the ballot? Are they competitive?
There are 4 seats up for election, and they are competitive. The direction of our schools is at stake, and voters have a real choice in shaping the future of public education in New Castle.
What professional accomplishment gives you the most pride?
One of my proudest professional accomplishments is running for office. The process of teaching myself everything I needed to know about local government and campaigning has been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me the opportunity to use my skills to serve my community in a way that can bring about real change, especially in advocating for policies that support education and inclusion.
Please tell me about your familiarity with the LGBTQ community in and around New Castle.
I know firsthand the challenges our LGBTQ community faces in New Castle and beyond. While there are supportive individuals and organizations, LGBTQ people here still experience discrimination and a lack of representation in leadership. I’m committed to advocating for policies that protect and uplift our community.
Based on this, what do you understand to be our current top LGBTQ concerns and priorities for the New Castle School Board? How will you respond to those priorities?
Key concerns include ensuring LGBTQ students feel safe at school, addressing bullying and discrimination, and protecting inclusive policies. We need comprehensive anti-bullying programs, LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum representation, and clear protections for trans students in areas like restrooms. As a School Board member, I will fight for policies that affirm and support every student’s right to a safe and inclusive education.
Does New Castle have a lunch debt policy? Is it effective in ensuring students are nourished to learn?
New Castle participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which helps provide free and reduced-price meals, but lunch debt policies can still be a barrier for some students. No child should go hungry at school. I will advocate for policies that ensure every student has access to nutritious meals without fear of debt or shame.
Are there publicly funded charter schools in the New Castle district? What are your thoughts on charter schools?
Pennsylvania’s charter school system diverts much needed funding away from public schools, often without the same level of accountability. While there aren’t many charter schools in our district, their impact on public school budgets is significant. I believe in strengthening our public schools rather than funneling resources to privatized alternatives.
How many school board meetings have you attended?
I’ve followed School Board proceedings closely, and I plan to be an active participant both as a candidate and as a Board member if elected.
In about 70% of Pennsylvania, it is legal to discriminate against people based on gender identity and sexual orientation – to fire us, to refuse to rent to us, even to deny to serve us in a business. The few protections we have come from municipal ordinances, court rulings, and executive decisions none of which carry the weight of legislative action by the General Assembly. How do those lack of protections for residents of New Castle impact their day to day life?
Without statewide protections, LGBTQ residents in New Castle can be fired, denied housing, or refused service simply because of who they are. This creates fear and instability for many people, especially youth who may not feel safe at home or at school. We need strong local policies to protect LGBTQ individuals and continued advocacy for comprehensive statewide protections.
What have you personally and professionally done to protect trans kids?
I’ve used my platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights, including protections for trans students in schools. Professionally, I’ve worked to create inclusive environments in business and digital spaces. Personally, I strive to be a visible and vocal advocate for trans youth, ensuring they know they have allies fighting for them.
Every school kid learns that we have three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial. We also have three levels of government – local, state, and federal. Democracy is supposed to rest at the intersections of these branches and levels. Those intersections also include people – citizens, residents, voters, workers, neighbors. It can be overwhelming when the balance of power is heavily tilted in one direction. What three specific actions will you take address this imbalance from your office?
- Transparency: I will push for clear communication between the School Board and the public, ensuring decisions are made with community input.
- Equity Policies: I will support initiatives that protect marginalized students, including LGBTQ youth and students from low-income backgrounds.
- Community Engagement: I will actively work to involve parents, teachers, and students in the decision making process.
Related question – in what year of school and what class(es) does the New Castle School District teach students about government structure, voting,and related topics?
Civics education is critical, but many students don’t get enough exposure to government and voting rights. I believe we need stronger civics education starting in middle school to ensure students understand their role in democracy.
What impact might proposed federal funding cuts have on your school district?
Federal funding cuts could mean fewer resources for classrooms, higher student-to-teacher ratios, and cuts to essential programs like special education and school meals. We need to advocate for sustainable school funding at all levels of government.
School boards are on the frontline of creating safe learning environments for all students. The tumult in these meetings as people try to ban books, stifle the identities of students, and politicize bathrooms and locker rooms.is unrelenting. Why are you willing to wade into all of that at this moment in time?
Because our students deserve better. I’m running because I refuse to let extremist politics dictate how we educate our children. Schools should be places of learning, not battlegrounds for political agendas.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your own elementary or secondary education.
I had a teacher who believed in me at a time when I struggled with confidence. Their encouragement changed my entire perspective on what I could achieve. That’s the kind of support I want every student to have.
There’s a clear need to actively create space for women, especially Black women and other women of color, in elected office AND on campaign and legislative staffs. These are issues of representation and realities. Tell us about your campaign team.
My campaign team is small but mighty. It’s primarily just me, supported by a few dedicated individuals who believe in my vision for the future of New Castle schools. Together, we’re focused on bringing positive change and ensuring that the voices of all students and families are heard.
Why did you agree to complete this Q&A?
Because representation matters. I want voters to know exactly where I stand and what I will fight for if elected.
Tell us about your endorsements.
I am actively seeking endorsements from organizations that support public education, LGBTQ rights, and equitable school policies.
Please list your social media accounts and your donation links.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Our schools should be places where every student feels safe, valued, and equipped for success. I’m running for School Board because I believe in the power of public education to change lives, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that every student in New Castle has access to the resources they need.
Thank you, Amy.
Civics education is critical, but many students don’t get enough exposure to government and voting rights. I believe we need stronger civics education starting in middle school to ensure students understand their role in democracy.
Other Q&A’s
Other Q&A’s in this election cycle series. You can read previous cycle Q&A’s here. If your candidate would like to participate, please contact us pghlesbian at gmail dot com.
The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Lauren Leiggi, Candidate for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Amy Mathieu, Candidate for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Matt Rudzki, Candidate for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
The 2025 Political Q&A Series: Amy Bridges, Candidate for New Castle School Director
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