From time to time, as may be necessary, the state Superintendent of Schools shall cause to be prepared and published, for distribution to the proper persons to receive them, manuals of the courses of study prescribed by the state Board of Education, as provided by section seven, article two of this chapter. It shall be his duty to see that the minimum standards set forth therein shall be maintained in all the several kinds and grades of the public schools throughout the state. It shall also be the duty of the state Superintendent of Schools to provide for the examination of pupils completing such courses of study and to cause diplomas or certificates to be issued to all persons who satisfactorily complete such courses.

The superintendent shall cause to be printed and distributed from time to time a sufficient number of copies of the school law to supply the needs of school officials and other citizens of the state. He shall cause to be prepared and published a list of books suitable for school libraries, and shall recommend the proper conditions for the purchase and use of such books. Such list shall be distributed among the teachers, principals, and superintendents throughout the state. The State Superintendent of Schools shall also have authority to publish and distribute such other reports, circulars of information, and bulletins as in his judgment will promote the best interests of the schools.

The expenses of printing all such publications or other documents shall be paid out of the general school fund on warrants drawn by the state Superintendent of Schools.