Every public elementary and secondary school in this state is encouraged to have in its employ, or as a volunteer, at least one (1), preferably more, persons who are currently certified by the American Red Cross or another qualified certifying agency approved by the department of education, as qualified to administer emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The local board of education is authorized to allocate up to six and one-half (61/2) hours a year of in-service days established pursuant to § 49-6-3004 to conduct training programs for teachers and other personnel who have expressed an interest in becoming qualified to administer emergency first aid and CPR.