1. (a) The Department shall determine the state standard space specification for each school building project that involves new construction, replacement, renovation, extension, alteration or facility purchase. The state standard space specification for any such school building project shall equal the product of the highest projected enrollment for the school building and the maximum square footage per pupil determined pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

2. (b) Maximum Square Footage Per Pupil.

   1. (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the maximum square footage per pupil shall equal the sum of the square footage per pupil as listed in this subsection for each grade being housed at the school building divided by the total number of grades being housed at the school building.

   2. (2) (A) The maximum square footage per pupil for a school building project to be used exclusively as an early childhood care and education program that provides services for children from birth to five years shall equal the square footage per pupil as listed in this subsection for kindergarten.

      1. (B) The maximum square footage per pupil for a school building project to be used exclusively for the provision of special education programming and services shall equal the sum of the square footage per pupil as listed in this subsection for each grade being housed at the school building divided by the total number of grades being housed at the school building. Square Footage Per Pupil by GradeProjected EnrollmentKindergarten through Grade 4Grades 5-6Grades 7-9Grades 10-120 – 350124156180194351 – 750120152176190751 – 1500116148170184Over 1500112142164178

3. (c) Space Standard Adjustment.

   1. (1) If the actual gross square feet of the completed school building for a school building project specified in subsection (a) of this section exceeds the state standard space specification calculated under said subsection for such building, the Department shall determine the space standard adjustment by dividing the state standard space specification by the actual gross square feet.

   2. (2) Upon the written request of an applicant, the Commissioner may exclude square footage from the actual gross square feet of the completed school building as used in subdivision (1) of this section if (A) the school building is being used to provide a program of general education for nonspecial education students in any combination of grades from kindergarten through twelve;

      1. (B) the square footage is attributable to space designed to be used primarily for an early childhood care and education program that provides services for children from birth to five years or the provision of special education programming and services; and (C) the need for such space is supported by the educational specifications and enrollment projections submitted by the applicant.

(Effective March 18, 2026)