(a) The Tennessee school boards association is recognized as the organization and representative agency of the members of school boards of this state.
(b)
(1) The commissioner of education, the department of education, the state board of education and the boards of education of counties, cities and special school districts are authorized and empowered to cooperate with the Tennessee school boards association in its in-training programs for school board members and in encouraging and fostering cooperation among the school boards of this state.
(2) Any board of education is authorized to become affiliated with the Tennessee school boards association.
(3) The various boards of education are authorized to use the organization of the Tennessee school boards association in coordinating the policies, control and management of the schools under their respective jurisdictions.
(c) Membership dues and necessary traveling expenses of school board members and directors of schools incurred in attending meetings of the Tennessee school boards association may be paid as other expenses are paid by boards of education.
(d) The Tennessee school boards association is authorized to receive funds in the form of dues from its members and contributions from individuals, organizations and agencies for the purposes of carrying on its program.