Section 37B. The commissioner under the direction of the state board may approve nondegree granting vocational education programs at the post-secondary level. In making his decision, the commissioner shall take into consideration the availability of similar training opportunities at the secondary and public regional community college levels.

Upon the vote of the school committee or board of trustees of any industrial, technical, or vocational school, tuition and other related fees may be charged to students residing in its city, town or regional school district admitted to approved post-secondary vocational education programs for the full amount of the average per pupil cost of such program.