1.  Technical assistance.  In order to provide the technical assistance required by the state board in assessing proposed school construction projects, the department may contract for the services of a professional engineer whenever the department is not employing qualified personnel on a full-time basis.  

2.  Energy conservation standards.  The state board shall approve only those projects which have been designed in accordance with rigorous standards for the conservation of energy.  

3.  Life-cycle costs.  The department may not approve the plans and specifications of a project that does not meet the requirements of Title 5, chapter 153, subchapter 1‑A.  

4.  Consistent siting.  The state board shall adopt criteria governing applications under this chapter to direct construction projects for new schools to areas determined suitable under the provisions of Title 30‑A, chapter 187, subchapter II, by the municipality within which the project will be located. The board may not require a minimum contiguous parcel size for the project as a condition of approval.  

5.  Backup energy generators.  In the case of a school construction project in which the school is expected to be used as a community shelter, the state board may approve only those projects designed to accommodate backup energy generators.