§ 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.