When lands or any interest therein shall be deemed necessary by the board of education for the site of a schoolhouse, for enlarging a schoolhouse lot or for playgrounds or other public school purposes, and the board of education for any reason shall be unable to contract with the owner or owners for the title thereof, the said board of education may institute condemnation proceedings to acquire such lands or the interest therein. Said condemnation proceedings shall be in all respects conducted and regulated as provided by Chapter 1 of Title 18.