State Policies and Regulations for School Buildings

The following links connect to state agencies in each of the New England states. The linked documents demonstrate the current school building requirements in each of the states.

New Hampshire

A recently signed law (HB 129) provides a three percent incremental reimbursement for schools that build to high performance standards as described in a Regional Guideline.

Ed 306.06- School Facilities

Massachusetts

All Massachusetts school construction regulations are undergoing review and revision by the newly formed Massachusetts School Building Authority and will be finalized by June of 2006.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)

Massachusetts Department of Education: School Construction Laws and Regulations

Maine

Maine law states that all schools must be designed to reduce energy usage by 20 percent using the Maine Energy Code as a baseline.

Maine Department of Education, Basic Approval Standards for Public Schools - Section 11: School Facilities

Maine Department of Education, Chapter 60: New School Siting Approval

Maine Department of Education, Chapter 61: State Board of Education Rules for Major Capital School Construction

New Jersey

The New Jersey Legislature directed in section 2(d) of the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act (the Act) that the design of school facilities should incorporate maximum operating efficiencies and new technologies to advance energy efficiency of school facilities and the efficiency of other school building systems. Governor McGreevey's Executive Order No. 24 designates that all new school design shall incorporate the guidelines developed by the United States Green Building Council known as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), Version 2.0 to achieve maximum energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the design of schools. The New Jersey School Construction Corporation (SCC) is utilizing energy efficient design specifications for school facilities projects to build schools that offer healthy interior spaces, high air quality and a pleasant indoor environment that is conducive to learning.

New Jersey Department of Education, Administrative Code Chapter 26: Educational Facilities

Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act

Vermont

Board Rule 6145.1: Cost Effectiveness

Connecticut

Guidelines Checklist (Go to School Construction Procedures, Then School Construction Guidelines)

Rhode Island

School Construction Regulations and Policies: Rhode Island has an incentive bonus. If 75 percent of total project costs are directly attributable to either asbestos abatement, energy conservation or handicapped access, or a combination, then the state will increase its share ratio for housing aid by four percent.