Simle Middle School Behavioral Program Cut Discipline
A state-funded mental health initiative has significantly reduced annual discipline incidents at the Bismarck school.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Mental Health
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Simle Middle School has successfully integrated clinical mental health care into its daily operations using a $150,000 state grant. The initiative, which features a visiting psychologist, has helped the school drop its annual major discipline incidents from 800 to 250.
Why it matters
The program was created because the school lacked the resources to provide clinical care independently, and it aims to minimize student time away from the classroom. By simplifying access to mental health services for families, the model seeks to address behavioral issues before they require disciplinary action.
The school reported a 70% to 75% reduction in major discipline incidents after launching the behavioral support system. Currently, about 1% to 2% of the student body utilizes the on-site clinical services provided by Sanford Health.
The players
Simle Middle School
This Bismarck, N.D., educational institution serves as the primary site for the behavioral health partnership.
Sanford Health
This healthcare provider partners with seven local schools to offer clinical psychological services on-site.
The details
Teachers and staff refer students for clinical evaluation based on observable changes in behavior, grades, or attendance. A Sanford Health psychologist works on-site two days per week, meeting with school staff twice monthly to ensure the integration of clinical support into the student experience.
Timeline
The school began using a structured support system eight years ago.
A Sanford Health psychologist currently visits the school two days weekly.
Health Landscape
The implementation of this program mirrors a national push to integrate mental health services within school environments, moving beyond traditional school counseling toward clinical care. By co-locating medical professionals with educators, the district bridges the gap between educational support and professional clinical treatment.
Families in the district gain simplified access to clinical care, as students can receive services directly on campus without needing to travel to an outside clinic. Because visits are billed through insurance, the model provides an integrated treatment path for students while keeping them in the classroom.
The takeaway
Integrated school-based mental health programs can effectively reduce discipline issues by addressing the underlying behavioral or emotional needs of students. Schools seeking similar results should focus on fostering regular communication between clinical professionals and faculty members.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services on the Mental Health section page.
More information
Schools interested in the model can view the behavioral health toolkit.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
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