Relocation to Aberdeen, SD

In 1957-58 the idea of relocating the school surfaced. The major contentions were the inadequacy of the facilities at Gary, the lack of opportunity for city travel experiences and the proximity to a college.

In 1959, the State Legislature passed a bill authorizing relocation of the school to Aberdeen. At that same session, $800,000 was appropriated to build an entirely new set of buildings on the land donated by the citizens of Aberdeen for the purpose.

Ground was broken on April 11, 1960, and a one-story building was constructed, with separate areas for classrooms, dormitories and other services. Classes began in the new facility in Aberdeen on September 18, 1961. The historic old campus has been restored and can be visited.