(a) The Commissioner of Correction may establish a school district within the Department of Correction for the education or assistance of any person confined in any institution of the department. The school district shall be known as State of Connecticut-Unified School District #1.

(b) The Commissioner of Correction shall administer, coordinate and control the operations of the school district and shall be responsible for the overall supervision and direction of all courses and activities of the school district and shall establish such vocational and academic education, research and statistics, training and development services and programs as he considers necessary or advisable in the best interests of the persons benefiting therefrom.