1. The state board of education shall establish schools or programs in this state sufficient to provide special educational services for all severely handicapped children not residing in special school districts or in other school districts providing approved special educational services for severely handicapped children which schools or programs shall be referred to herein as “Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled”.

2. The Missouri School for the Blind at St. Louis and the Missouri School for the Deaf at Fulton are within the division of special education of the department of elementary and secondary education. The state board of education shall govern these schools.

3. The state board of education:

(1) Shall determine the type and kind of instruction to be offered and the number and qualifications of instructors and other necessary personnel in the Missouri schools for the severely disabled, the school for the blind and the school for the deaf; provided, however, that the course of study of these schools shall be of a character to develop the mental, physical, vocational and social abilities of the pupils and to prepare those students capable of advancing for admission to postsecondary programs;

(2) Shall promulgate all rules and regulations governing enrollment, including that of assigning children to the most appropriate school or programs; and

(3) Shall determine and approve all policies for the operation of said schools or programs.

4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, each school district which is not a part of a special school district and each special school district shall provide special educational services for deaf children and youth within the ages of five through thirteen years residing in the district in accordance with rules, regulations and standards promulgated by the state board of education. Such services shall be provided within the district of residence or by contract with a nearby district or districts or nearby public agency or agencies pursuant to the provisions of sections 162.670 to 162.995^*, provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to affect the funding or operation of the Missouri School for the Deaf at Fulton nor to deny to any deaf child or youth within the age range prescribed above the right to enrollment therein.

5. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of this chapter shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024.