Practical Leadership for District 16
Tim Rhead brings a lifetime of service as a farmer, educator, and veteran to the House. His focus remains on safeguarding our rural values, strengthening agriculture, and ensuring a bright future for our local schools and small-town life.
The Priorities That Matter
Agriculture & Rural Economy
Tim is committed to supporting family farms and ensuring fair markets. He will fight to protect the rural economy that serves as South Dakota's backbone.
Born and raised on a farm, I’ve gained a deep respect for the hard work, responsibility, and perseverance it takes to sustain small-town agriculture and keep family operations running year after year. Our farmers play a vital role in powering our state’s economy and supporting communities across the region.
It’s our responsibility to protect them—especially their property rights. We must ensure small farmers are not forced off their land or pushed aside by large corporations with greater resources and influence. Strong, fair policies can preserve family farms, defend their independence, and keep agriculture thriving for generations to come.
EDUCATION & LOCAL SCHOOLS
Investing in our teachers and preparing students for success is vital. Tim focuses on practical solutions for District 16's schools.
As an educator, I can speak first hand on the importance of education. The current state of our education system needs work. As a state, we are doing our children a disservice by not properly investing in their education and their futures. Having access to a proper education should be a right, not a privilege. I have seen too many instances of educators leave the position in exchange for a higher salary. A good educator can change the lives of their students and they should be compensated accordingly.
Our state needs to invest its time and money into its youth. We should be using our resources to provide our students with an advanced education. Schools need to be properly funded to adopt to new curriculum and advanced technology.
mENTAL hEALTH
As elected officials, investing in mental health is not just a policy choice—it is a commitment to stronger communities, healthier families, and a more resilient future.
Strong communities are built on the well-being of the people who live in them, and that starts with prioritizing mental health. When individuals have access to the support they need, they are better able to contribute, connect, and thrive—creating safer, more vibrant neighborhoods for everyone.
Investing in mental health means strengthening our schools, supporting families, and ensuring local resources are accessible and effective. By focusing on community-based solutions and reducing barriers to care, we can build a more connected, resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Common Questions from District 16 Voters
How will you protect local control of our schools?
I believe parents and local boards know their children best; I will fight to keep administrative overreach out of our classrooms and ensure decisions stay rooted in our community. Education should be focused on student outcomes, not bureaucratic mandates from the state level. By empowering local leaders, we ensure our schools reflect the unique values of District 16.
Furthermore, I will advocate for sustainable funding models that don't disproportionately burden local taxpayers while still providing the resources our teachers need to succeed in every classroom.
What is your plan to support District 16 farmers?
Agriculture is the backbone of our community. I will advocate for fair property tax valuations, reliable infrastructure for crop transport, and policies that help family farms remain profitable for the next generation. We must ensure that our state policies reflect the reality on the ground for producers, reducing red tape and improving access to global markets.
Smart investment in rural infrastructure—from roads and bridges to high-speed internet—is essential for the modern farm operation. I am committed to being a loud voice for our agricultural community in Pierre.
How do you intend to address rising property taxes?
Fiscal responsibility is paramount. I will push for transparent government spending and sensible tax relief that doesn't compromise the essential services our small towns rely on every day. We need to look at the entire budget with a critical eye, prioritizing core functions of government and eliminating wasteful spending that drives up the tax burden on residents.
My approach includes working with local officials to find efficiencies and exploring alternative revenue streams that take the pressure off property owners while maintaining the high quality of life we expect in South Dakota.
What steps will you take to keep our communities safe?
I will prioritize funding for local law enforcement and emergency services, ensuring our first responders have the training and tools needed to maintain the high quality of life we value in South Dakota. This means supporting competitive pay for our officers and investing in modern technology that helps them do their jobs safely and effectively.
Common-sense safety also involves addressing the root causes of crime, such as mental health and substance abuse issues, through community-based resources and partnerships that strengthen the social fabric of District 16.