N.Y. Education Law § 408-a: Plans and specifications for construction of new school buildings

§ 408-a. Plans and specifications for construction of new school

buildings. 1. The commissioner of general services, after consultation

with the commissioner of education and subject to the approval of the

director of the budget, shall promptly prepare or acquire as many master

sets of complete plans and specifications for the construction of new

school buildings and appurtenant facilities as shall be sufficient to

provide at least six different master sets each for elementary, junior

high and high schools, based on the number of pupils to be accommodated

therein. Such plans and specifications shall be prepared so as to

provide adequate classrooms and other necessary space and facilities at

the lowest cost consistent with sound construction principles and

practices, and the attainment of educational objectives, and shall

provide for heating, ventilation, lighting, sanitation and health, fire

and accident protection adequate to maintain healthful, safe, and

comfortable conditions therein. Such plans and specifications shall be

so prepared that any possible future addition to any such school

building may be economically effectuated. In addition, the commissioner

of general services shall, as often as he deems advisable but at least

annually, review such master sets and, after consultation with the

commissioner of education, and subject to approval of the director of

the budget, may revise or cancel any of such sets or prepare new sets.

2. The commissioner shall cause duplicates of such master plans and

specifications to be made, and he shall furnish the same to any school

district making a request therefor for a reasonable charge sufficient to

cover the cost of reproducing such plans and specifications.

3. Plans and specifications prepared and furnished pursuant to the

provisions of this section may be adopted and used in any school

district as the plans and specifications for the construction of any new

school building or appurtenant facility hereafter to be erected.

4. Nothing herein contained shall preclude any school district from

retaining an architect and/or engineer in connection with the use of

such master plans and specifications.