(b) Prior to occupying a rented or a leased existing building, or space within an existing building, pursuant to this subsection, a school board shall, in a public meeting, adopt a resolution certifying that the following circumstances apply to the building proposed for occupancy:1. Growth among the school-age population in the school district has created a need for new educational facilities in a neighborhood where there is little or no vacant land.
2. There exists a supply of vacant space in existing buildings that meet state minimum building and life safety codes.
3. Acquisition and conversion to use as educational facilities of an existing building or buildings is a cost-saving means of providing the needed classroom space as determined by the difference between the cost of new construction, including land acquisition and preparation and, if applicable, demolition of existing structures, and the cost of acquisition through rental or lease and conversion of an existing building or buildings.
4. The building has been examined for suitability, safety, and conformance with state minimum building and life safety codes. The building examination shall consist, at a minimum, of a review of existing documents, building site reconnaissance, and analysis of the building conducted by, or under the responsible charge of, a licensed structural engineer.
5. A certificate of evaluation has been issued by an appropriately licensed design professional which states that, based on available documents, building site reconnaissance, current knowledge, and design judgment in the professional’s opinion, the building meets the requirements of state minimum building and life safety codes, provides safe egress of occupants from the building, provides adequate firesafety, and does not pose a substantial threat to life to persons who would occupy the building for classroom use.
6. The plans for conversion of the building were prepared by an appropriate design professional licensed in this state and the work of conversion was performed by contractors licensed in this state.
7. The conversion of the building was observed by an appropriate design professional licensed in this state.
8. The building has been reviewed, inspected, and granted a certificate of occupancy by the local building department.
9. All ceilings, light fixtures, ducts, and registers within the area to be occupied for classroom purposes were constructed or have been reconstructed to meet state minimum requirements.