Erik Sommervold will replace Superintendent Rhead, who retires in May
Riva Sharples | Editor
This May, Erik Sommervold, a 2000 graduate of Alcester-Hudson High School, is returning home to take on a new role: Superintendent of the AH School District, replacing longtime superintendent Tim Rhead, who is retiring.
“This community has played a significant role in shaping who I am,” said Sommervold, who is currently the high school principal at Dakota Valley High School. “When the opportunity presented itself, I was excited about the possibility of returning home to serve the district that provided me with so many opportunities!”
Sommervold holds a bachelor’s degree in history education and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from USD. He has worked in education for 17 ½ years.
“I began my career as a social studies teacher in the Hurley and Viborg-Hurley School Districts, where I taught for five years,” explains Sommervold. “I then served as the 5th–12th grade principal in Kimball, South Dakota, for three years. For the past 9½ years, I have been the High School Principal at Dakota Valley High School. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on supporting staff and creating meaningful opportunities for students to grow academically and personally.”
Sommervold is excited to give back to his hometown community and his alma mater, Alcester-Hudson.
“Alcester-Hudson provided me with strong educational experiences, supportive mentors, and lifelong relationships,” he said. “To now return in a leadership role is both humbling and energizing. I look forward to working alongside staff, students, and families to continue building on the district’s strong foundation.”
His first priority at Alcester-Hudson will be to listen and learn, he says.
“Alcester-Hudson already has a strong team of educators and a proud tradition,” he said. “I want to support and empower them in any way I can.”
Sommervold and his wife, Sophia, have two children. Their daughter, Cameryn, is 19 and attending Dordt University in Sioux Center, where she is majoring in nursing. Their son, Jaxon, is 16 and currently a sophomore at Dakota Valley High School.
In his free time, Sommervold enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and camping.
“Family has always been a central part of my life, and it continues to shape my perspective as an educator and leader,” he said.
He will bring that family-focus to Alcester-Hudson.
“Students, faculty, and community members can expect me to be present, approachable, and communicative,” he said. “I value transparency and consistency. Above all, my focus will remain on preparing our students for their individual futures while maintaining a positive and supportive school culture.”
As Sommervold prepares for his move to Alcester-Hudson, Superintendent Tim Rhead is reflecting on his time in education, and looking forward to a different norm after retirement.
“I’ve always lived my life one day at a time and will approach tomorrow as another day,” he said. “People ask me if I have a countdown calendar and I simply respond that I have no idea; I just focus on making it through the day. I suppose it will sink in as we get closer to the end of the school year, but for now, I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it.”
Rhead has had an impressive career in education spanning 26 years.
“I started my teaching career the fall of 2000 through the spring of 2010,” he explains. “During my years as a teacher, I taught social studies, reading and PE. I also coached football, volleyball, wrestling, track and summer softball. I returned in the fall of 2012 as superintendent/elementary principal.”
During his tenure at Alcester-Hudson, Rhead has been at the helm of several exciting projects and district accomplishments.
“Some highlights include updates to the district facilities such as getting a new school and new track,” he said. “In the classroom, we initiated the 1 to 1 program K – 12 and started an alternative room in the high school. The alternative room has allowed several students to graduate that would not have been possible without it.”
Retirement will likely bring a new chapter in Rhead’s life, maybe in the political realm.
“I’m considering running for the District 16 State House of Representatives,” Rhead said. “I also plan on finding some type of work along with helping my family on our farm. Once my wife retires, maybe we’ll have more exciting adventures.”
Rhead’s favorite memories at Alcester-Hudson center around the many people he’s had the opportunity to interact with over the years, he says.
“I will miss all my conversations with the variety of students,” he said. “I will also miss all the hugs from the younger kids. We are very fortunate to have an amazing staff that works at our school, and I will miss spending time with them every day.”
Rhead believes the District will be in good hands under Sommervold.
“Knowing the great staff and great communities we have, Erik will do an amazing job,” said Rhead.