OCCY votes to resume inspections of Oklahoma School of Science and Math

The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth voted to resume inspections of the Oklahoma School of Science and Math (OSSM) after Office of Juvenile System Oversight (OJSO) staff concluded the residential program fits within OCCY’s statutory authority to inspect state-operated or state-supported children’s institutions.

OJSO staff, represented by Mark Hamz, said OJSO has conducted annual unannounced inspections at several state-operated facilities but had not inspected OSSM since roughly 2008–2011 following a legal disagreement about whether the school fell under OCCY’s inspection authority. A recent media request prompted staff to re-examine the issue; after consulting former staff and the Attorney General’s Office, OJSO concluded OSSM’s residential services make it appropriate for periodic inspections focused on safety and welfare—not academics.

Commissioners discussed statutory definitions of “state-operated” and “state-supported” facilities (10 OS §600 referenced) and noted the statute requires not-less-than-once-per-year inspections in one section and allows more frequent visits. A motion that the commission find OSSM within OCCY’s statutory duty and resume inspections in accordance with statute carried on roll-call vote.

Commissioners emphasized that OJSO would meet with OSSM leadership to explain processes and aim to reduce disruption to programming, and that inspections will focus on safety, care and the residential environment rather than academic performance.