(a) Except as provided in (b) of this section, the ownership of land and buildings used in relation to regional educational attendance area schools shall remain vested in the state, and use permits shall be given to the regional school boards.
(b) Except for land located within the boundaries of a state airport, a regional school board may, by resolution, request, and the commissioner of the department having responsibility shall convey, title to land and buildings used in relation to regional educational attendance area schools. If the state holds less than fee title to the land, the commissioner of the department having responsibility shall convey the entire interest of the state in the land to the regional school board.