Charter schools established for those incarcerated at juvenile detention centers in Oklahoma may be required to purchase a surety bond following Senate Bill 1069‘s passage. The bill modifies legislation that had established the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) as the governing body of the school. The amendment allows the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to require the school to post a surety bond if needed. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2016.

Since the summer of 2015, the OJA has established the Oklahoma Youth Academy Charter School (OYACS) consisting of campuses in Tecumseh, Manitou and Norman. Previously, the schools were operated by their area school districts. The change is aimed at coordinating education and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders.

The surety bond the OYACS may need to post must be in accordance with Section 5-116a of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The bond must be no less than $100,000 or an amount set by the State Board of Education. If required, the bond must be a blanket bond covering all school officials and paid for by the school district. The bond ensures that all officials perform their duties as required and do not misuse any funds or property received or handled as part of their jobs.

The OAJ and the OMES can answer your questions about the new surety bond legislation. SuretyBonds.com can get you bonded in Oklahoma.