This bill proposes the creation of a new section in chapter 15.1-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the assessment of public school buildings. The bill empowers the superintendent of public instruction to conduct regular assessments of school buildings, which will include evaluations of various structural and safety features such as fire protection systems, heating and cooling components, and handicap accessibility. Additionally, the superintendent is tasked with documenting an inventory of school buildings every four years, detailing aspects like building type, construction year, and square footage.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of a tracking system for building assessments, which will encompass construction, repairs, and maintenance recommendations. To facilitate the implementation of these provisions, the superintendent is required to adopt rules in accordance with chapter 28-32 and may also contract for professional services to establish public school facility standards. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the oversight and maintenance of school infrastructure across the state.