Four candidates are running for Ames School Board this fall – two familiar faces, and two new ones.
The races are uncontested: Three will run for three at-large seats; one will run to fill an at-large vacancy.
The Ames Voice sent out a questionnaire to all school board candidates to find out who they are, what they do and why they want to be on the Ames School Board.
The general election is Nov. 4. Find out your polling place here, register to vote online, find out who else is up for election here and keep up with Ames election information right here at the Ames Voice.
Director at large
Voters will select three on the ballot for director at-large.
Kelly Winfrey
Incumbent, at large
Residence: West Ames, near Edwards Elementary
Years in Ames: 11 years
Day job: Professor at Iowa State University
Education: Ph.D. Communication Studies, University of Kansas, 2012; MA Communication Studies, Missouri State University, 2007; BA, Communication Studies, Emporia State University, 2005; Raymore-Peculiar High School (MO), 1998
School-age children: One son at Edwards Elementary
Fun fact: I love scary movies and books
Arthur “Art” Baumgartner
At large candidate
Residence: Old Town Historic District
Years in Ames: The past 20 years while in college and graduate school
Day job: Preconstruction manager, Woodruff Construction
Education: Master of Architecture, Iowa State University; Bachelor of Arts, Grinnell College
School-age children: Two kids, high school freshman and a seventh grader
Fun fact: My kids love to roll their eyes at my dad jokes, and my hidden talent is riding a unicycle!
Jennifer Tipton
At large candidate
Residence: West Ames
Years in Ames: Since December 2019, plus four years as an undergraduate
Day job: Iowa State University
Education: Ph.D in education
School-age children: Two, a second grader and a fifth grader
Fun fact: I met my husband at Iowa State in 2000.
Director at large, to fill vacancy
Voters will select one on the ballot for director at-large, to fill vacancy.
Aaron Rodriguez
Appointee running to fill vacancy
Residence: North Ames
Years in Ames: since 2017
Day job: Senior product application engineer, Danfoss Power Solutions
Education: Bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, Iowa State University
School-age children: Four kids at every level from elementary to high school
Fun fact: I thoroughly enjoy gardening, composting and have my own small walk-in greenhouse that you will find me in most of the year.
Why are you running for Ames School Board?
Winfrey: I am running for re-election because I have more to do and more to offer. I’d like to use the knowledge I gained over the last four years to support the wonderful superintendent we hired a year and a half ago. We are also two years into a five-year strategic plan, and I’d like to see that work through. I’m also running for re-election because the work matters. The board sets the vision and mission of the district. In Ames, we put kids first. It’s not about politics or individual interests. It’s about kids, all kids, being given the opportunity and resources to help them reach their educational and personal potential. That work feels very important.
Baumgartner: I’m running because I want to build on the great work of the administration and board over the past 20 years we’ve been in the school district. As a parent of two kids in the district, I have been so happy with their educational experience. I want to make sure other families have a similar experience for years to come.
Tipton: I believe public schools are a vital part of our communities and that everyone, in whatever ways they can, should contribute time, resources and expertise to support and strengthen them.
Rodriguez: I truly believe I owe most of what I have in my life to education. With a mix of luck, passionate supportive teachers and hard work, I became the first person in my family to attend college. Because of that transformative experience, I want to support education in my community in a meaningful way. To me, this is an important and impactful way to give back to something that has given me so much.
Why should Ames residents vote for you?
Winfrey: Because I’m doing this for the right reasons. I care about kids and value what public education does for the community. I have experience that provides an important perspective for board decisions. I think I’ve grown into a good board member. I listen and value what everyone says, and I collaborate well with other board members and district leadership.
Baumgartner:
1. I will support our educators and administrators in creating a safe, supportive and student-centered environment where all students can thrive.
2. I bring 15 years of professional school design and construction experience to the table. I want to help the district make smart, informed decisions about facility upgrades, maintenance and capital improvements to maximize value for Ames taxpayers.
3. I’ll advocate for consistency and longevity in district leadership. While many schools faced challenges with turnover during the COVID years, I see great potential in our current leadership and am committed to supporting stability at both the district and building level.
Tipton: I have a collaborative spirit, an open mind, and I’m committed to supporting this community and our schools.
Rodriguez: I remain committed to putting our children and educators first while supporting the school district’s goals outlined in our strategic plan. Recognizing that every decision has the potential to impact each of our 4,500+ students, I approach each choice with the gravity and thoughtfulness it deserves. I will continue to rely on data-driven insights and the valuable knowledge from our exceptional community of educators to guide my decision-making process.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Winfrey: I want to encourage people to vote, even when elections aren’t contested. It’s important to stay engaged in local government because it impacts a lot of our day-to-day life.
Baumgartner: Every vote is a small act of care for our community. Local elections shape the places where our children learn, where our families gather, and where neighbors look out for one another. When you take the time to vote, you’re helping ensure Ames continues to be a place where everyone feels at home.
Rodriguez: I love to have conversations. Please don’t hesitate to ever reach out or strike up a conversation with me.
