Bill Ames for
Vermillion School Board
Experienced. Practical. Father.
Why I'm running
After visiting dozens of towns and schools across the country and South Dakota, my family chose Vermillion as the best place in America to raise our children.
I want to help keep it that way.
Like most parents here, I have a very personal stake in the quality of our schools.
I have deep respect for the values and traditions that make Vermillion special: strong families, great schools, and a close-knit community. I’d like to work together with the board to build on what’s already working well and help our schools continue to thrive in a changing world.
A little about me…
I grew up in Minnesota in the 70s, a quiet little community where kids could be kids. My family moved around a lot, and I went to high school in a small coal town in Pennsylvania. My professional journey started with a degree in English Literature, which taught me to communicate clearly, analyze complex ideas, and understand different perspectives. That foundation, combined with 40 years of hard work across higher education and the private sector, has served me well.
I started at the help desk and rose to senior IT administrator at Penn State University, one of the nation’s largest public university systems, where I developed policies and defended against cyber threats. I currently work as a process and data analyst for a local manufacturer, and I've built and run small businesses (including continuing my father’s Make it Meaty BBQ flavors), and held roles as a portrait photographer, journalist, and salesman. I’ve lived in seven states and learned a lot of practical lessons along the way.
These experiences have taught me how to analyze real problems, create practical solutions, manage budgets carefully, protect what matters, and deliver results with clear goals.
Now I want to put that broad, tested experience to work for our schools, focusing on strong academics, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, safe and respectful learning environments, and giving every Vermillion student a solid foundation for the future.
I’m running because I care deeply about this community we chose as home, and I want to serve as a steady, practical voice for our kids and families.
Let’s talk.
I’d like to hear about your kids and your concerns, and I'll make sure every parent has a voice on the school board.
I will represent you to the best of my ability.
My Priorities
- Strong core academics first: Ensure that every student receives rigorous, proven instruction in reading, math, computers, and essential skills, with clear data-driven support and policies that close gaps and raise proficiency.
- Fiscal responsibility with real transparency: Scrutinize every budget line so taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, while keeping property taxes as low as possible.
- Safe, orderly, and respectful schools: Maintain clear and well-thought-out behavior guidelines so teachers can teach and students can learn without disruptions.
- Fair and consistent policies: Conduct a thorough line-by-line review of all existing policies to eliminate inconsistencies and ensure they are applied fairly and make sense to students, parents, and staff.
- More parental involvement and community voice: Actively listen to parents and residents and guarantee families have a meaningful say in decisions that affect their kids.
- Preparing students for success in South Dakota: Equip kids with the knowledge and skills needed for college, technical careers, trades, or staying and contributing right here in our state. Work with local businesses and USD to provide opportunities.
- Proactive approach to emerging technology: Draw on my extensive IT and AI experience to help develop clear, balanced policies on artificial intelligence that protect student privacy, support learning, and get ahead of future challenges.
Check your voter registration
Click the button below for the official registration site to make sure you're ready for June 2, 2026 election.
You can help!
I can't do this alone.
Need a yard sign? I could especially use some help with those. Let me know if you can place one in your yard. Farms, especially! Free.
Have concerns?
You can contact me by email, meeting in person, through Facebook, Zoom...I'm available to hear what you have to say, and we can get to know each other.
Let's talk
The best way to contact me is by email at bill@amesmail.com, but I understand that might not be the best for you.
I prefer face to face meetings where we can have a real conversation, but with hundreds of voters to consider, that can be tricky. If you'd like to meet with me, let's schedule it! If you see me hanging out on my porch, shopping, getting gas, or wherever, feel free to chat. One on one or groups is good.
I'm currently on the Vermillion Planning and Zoning Commission, so you can catch me at those meetings at City Hall. They are generally the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 5:30pm.
Here's my LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wames/
I'm busy, but I promise that I will make time for you!