Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society, but in South Dakota, it’s become a battleground of priorities and promises. And here’s where it gets controversial: as the 2026 gubernatorial race heats up, candidates are clashing over how to fix what many see as a broken system. Among them is Toby Doeden, who’s staking his campaign on a bold claim: teacher pay and rural school infrastructure are the keys to unlocking South Dakota’s potential. But is he right, or is this just political rhetoric? Let’s dive in.
In a state where teacher salaries have long lagged behind national averages, Doeden is making a stand. This is the part most people miss: it’s not just about raising pay—it’s about rethinking how education dollars are spent. During a recent interview, the Aberdeen businessman declared, ‘The Doeden administration will make teacher pay its highest educational priority.’ But here’s the twist: he wants to shift funds away from school administrators and into the hands of classroom teachers. It’s a move that could either revolutionize education funding or spark backlash from those who argue administrators are just as vital. What do you think—is this a fair trade-off?
Doeden’s plan doesn’t stop at paychecks. After a 66-county bus tour, he was shocked by the state of rural schools. ‘I could not believe the shambles some of our rural schools are in,’ he said. His solution? Reallocate funds from state bureaucrats in Pierre to rebuild and modernize rural schools. Imagine big, beautiful campuses in small towns—it’s an ambitious vision, but here’s the controversial part: where exactly will this money come from, and who will decide which schools get prioritized? Critics might argue this is a pie-in-the-sky promise, but Doeden insists it’s achievable with smarter budgeting.
And speaking of budgets, Doeden is challenging the status quo. ‘We don’t have to talk about how much our budgets are,’ he said. ‘We need to ask: is the money being used appropriately? Is it allocated fairly?’ It’s a refreshing perspective, but it also raises questions. If education is at the top of the list, as he claims, how will he ensure every dollar counts? And more importantly, will other candidates follow suit or double down on their own plans?
As South Dakotans head to the dinner table to debate education, Doeden’s proposals are sure to spark conversation. But here’s the ultimate question: Are his ideas the solution South Dakota needs, or just another campaign promise? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss.
