Rolf Duvick, former NFL player and current Ames business owner, announces his candidacy today for the Ames Community School District Board of Directors.
“I am passionate about quality education, because it is an integral part of developing good citizens,” says Duvick who had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons in the early ’80s. Now having lived in Ames for more than 35 years, Duvick and his wife Ami have 7 children and 5 grandchildren, and they are committed to contributing to the well-being of their community.
“I come from generations of educators, so there’s a long history of education being a top value in my family,” says Duvick who also worked with Athletes in Action students at Iowa State University for ten years.
Six of Duvick’s seven children have graduated from Ames Middle School and Ames High School after being home-schooled for their elementary years. Their seventh child is following the same path but also serves as an impetus for Duvick’s candidacy.
“We’re passionate about education and want to participate fully in that process for the early years with our kids. But we also know how essential it is for them to have the social, extra-curricular and well-rounded teaching that is offered by public schools,” says Duvick of the education route they’ve taken with their family.
News of declining enrollment, the resignation of Superintendent Jenny Risner and concerns regarding violence in the schools have made Duvick want to take an active role for their youngest child. “We want to ensure the district is – or returns to be – a place where all students can thrive. We want the schools to be the place we remember our older kids enjoying so much,” Duvick says.
Duvick has a B.S. from Illinois State University. He co-owns a construction insulation business with one of his sons and is a leader at his church. More information about Duvick’s campaign can be found on his Facebook page by searching @RolfDuvickAmes.
