The board of education of any school district may make application upon its own motion to the state board of education for the additional authority provided for in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 72-5459, and amendments thereto, and shall make such an application upon being presented with a petition, signed by not less than 51% of the qualified electors of the school district, requesting the making of such an application. Notice of the intention to make such an application shall be given to the electors by a publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district, in form to be prescribed by the state board of education. The state board of education may adopt rules and regulations necessary to properly carry out the provisions of this act, including rules in relation to the evidence required in support of the application and the method of furnishing such evidence.