§ 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.

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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.