The South Dakota House Education Committee on Wednesday unanimously advanced a bill aimed at giving schools more tools to address increasingly aggressive and violent student behavior. A separate bill providing funding for a new children’s behavioral health facility also moved forward to a budget committee.
Education Secretary Joe Graves told lawmakers last month that teachers are seeing more violent outbursts — even from young elementary students — leading to staff injuries and property damage.
Under House Bill 1017, schools could move aggressive students to an alternative learning setting with written notice to parents, who could appeal. Any placement longer than five days would require referral to a behavioral health specialist. Schools would also be required to report the number of alternative placements to the state each year.
Supporters say it adds another option beyond suspension or calling law enforcement and could help schools identify broader behavioral trends. Gov. Larry Rhoden’s chief of staff, Mackenzie Decker, said the bill isn’t perfect but will improve understanding of classroom challenges.
Behavioral health advocate Terry Dosch said early intervention is more cost‑effective than addressing problems later through the justice system.
The committee also advanced a proposal from Rep. Lana Greenfield to provide $2 million for a nonprofit to build a non‑residential treatment center offering therapeutic, school‑based services. Children’s Home Society — which already operates day schools in Rapid City and Sioux Falls — may apply, with officials saying a new facility would expand access for families in the Aberdeen region.
Both bills continue moving through the Legislature.
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