Bill Seeking $2M for Therapeutic Service Center in Aberdeen Clears Appropriations, House

The proposed facility would provide interventions for disruptive and violent students in northeastern South Dakota.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A $2 million request to establish a non-residential, school-based therapeutic services center in Aberdeen, South Dakota has been approved by the state's Joint Committee on Appropriations and the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the Senate for final approval. The proposed facility would be operated by the Children's Home Society and serve students from up to 70 miles away who are exhibiting disruptive and violent behaviors in the classroom.

Why it matters

Schools in the Aberdeen area have struggled to address the needs of students exhibiting aggressive or violent behaviors, with existing facilities in Rapid City and Sioux Falls at capacity. This new center would provide an important local resource to help intervene with these students and prevent classroom disruptions.

The details

The $2 million in funding would be used to purchase and renovate a building in Aberdeen that could be used by the Children's Home Society to provide individual, group, and family therapy services. The center would serve students from elementary school through high school who are falling through the cracks and need more intensive support beyond what is available at their schools.

  • On February 25, 2026, the Joint Committee on Appropriations approved House Bill 1262 by a vote of 14-2.
  • On February 26, 2026, the state House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 61-5 with 4 members excused.

The players

Lana Greenfield

The prime sponsor of House Bill 1262, which seeks the $2 million in funding for the therapeutic services center.

Becky Guffin

The superintendent of the Aberdeen School District, who testified about the need for such a facility in the local area.

Mike Groher

The business development officer for the Children's Home Society, which would operate the proposed center in Aberdeen.

Rob Monson

The executive director of the School Administrators of South Dakota, who said there is local support and $1 million in verbal commitments for the center.

Al Novstrup

A state representative who said the bill is a companion to another measure allowing schools to send disruptive students to alternative settings.

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What they’re saying

“The need has outpaced the system's capacity to respond.”

— Becky Guffin, Aberdeen School District Superintendent (aberdeeninsider.com)

“Leaders in Aberdeen and seven school districts are prepared to partner and have immediate placements.”

— Mike Groher, Business Development Officer, Children's Home Society (aberdeeninsider.com)

“As far as diagnosing, we need to diagnose and find out why they are acting the way they do. Children's Home Society will be there to dig deep and find out the reason for the behaviors.”

— Lana Greenfield, State Representative (aberdeeninsider.com)

What’s next

A date for a Senate vote on House Bill 1262 has not yet been set.

The takeaway

This proposed therapeutic services center in Aberdeen represents an important investment in supporting students with disruptive and violent behaviors, providing them with the intensive interventions they need while also helping to maintain safe and productive learning environments in local schools.