S-1544

AN ACT Relating to modifiable basic plans for school construction; adding a new section to chapter 28A.305 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 28A.305 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The state board of education shall adopt rules and establish procedures governing the preparation and use of modifiable basic or standard plans for school building construction projects for which state assistance funds are provided.

(2)(a) The state board of education, with the assistance of the school of architecture of the University of Washington and such other technical and professional assistance as the board determines to be necessary, including architectural firms engaged in private practice who may be employed on a contract basis, shall cause to be prepared readily modifiable basic plans for school construction. The plans shall be adaptable with minimum variations to fit:

(i) Differences in climatic conditions of the state;

(ii) Differences in size of school enrollment;

(iii) Differences in curricula;

(iv) Differences in directional orientation of school buildings; and

(v) Differences in terrain of school building sites.

The state board of education shall adopt the fewest possible modifiable basic plans to meet the requirements of this subsection.

(b) The modifiable basic plans shall be prepared to allow building contractors to utilize to the fullest extent modern industrial techniques of mass production and prefabrication and shall be prepared so that there may be variety in the outward appearance of different schools constructed under the same modifiable basic plan. Architectural details that result in distinctive appearance that are in line with the wishes of the community and that will not materially alter the modifiable basic plan shall be left to the discretion of the school board, which may employ architectural assistance for this purpose.

(c) The plans shall be approved by an approval board consisting of three architects experienced in the design and construction of school buildings. The approval board shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the state board of education. The modifiable basic plans shall be reviewed at least once each year by the approval board so that new advances in architecture and technology that will result in better schools or greater economy may be incorporated. Architects on the approval board and any architects or architectural firms employed by the director shall be paid a reasonable fee.

(d) A modifiable basic plan shall be used in the construction of every school building for which the local school district pays less than fifty percent of the school construction cost.

(e) If a modifiable basic plan will not in the opinion of the state board of education meet the needs of a school district, the school district may employ an architect and utilize its own plans.

(f) If modifiable basic plans are used, a district may employ its own inspector, who may be an architect, to supervise construction.

(g) School districts that pay more than fifty percent of school construction costs may, if they desire, utilize the modifiable basic plans of the state board of education, but are not required to do so.

(3) By January 1, 1993, the state board of education shall modify the costs per square foot allocation for school construction to reflect the savings from using modifiable basic plans.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. By January 1, 1992, the state board of education shall submit an interim report to the appropriate legislative committees on the implementation of section 1 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill number, is not provided by June 30, 1991, in the omnibus capital or operating appropriations act, this act shall be null and void.