Local governments，in performing their duties in the fields of education，science and culture，
are always required to maintain political neutrality and administrative stability while 
reflecting the opinions of the citizens．
 In compliance with these requirements，a Board of Education was established in each prefecture
in 1948，and in each municipality in  l950, as an enfbrcing  body independent of its governor
or mayor.
　Prefectural Boards of Education may act as liaison and coordinating boards for Municipal ones，
and may give guidance in, provide advice on，address requests to take necessary steps for, 
and make surveys of the management and the administration of the affairs of  MunicIpal Boards
of Education．

The　duties of the Board of Education are as follows：
  1）The establishment，management and closure of public schools and other Educational institutions．
　2）The management of educational property．
  3）The management of personnel affairrs including the appointment and dismissal of teaching 
     and clerical staff of Boards of Education，Public schooIs and other educational institutions．
  4）Duties concerning the attendance of school age pupils and students，and entrance，
     transfer or withdrawal of infants，pupils o students．
  5）The organization of public schools，school curricula，guidance in studies，
     guidance of students and vocational guidance．
　6）Handling of textbooks and other teaching materials．
  7）The maintenance of school buildings，equipment,teaching aids and other facilities．
　8）The training of principals，teachers and other staff related to education．
  9）Duties relating to the health，safety and welfare of teaching staff and pupils and students．
 10）Ensuring of environmental hygiene of public schools and other educational institutions．
 11）Provision of school lunches．
 12）Social education including youth education and woman's education，and activities at community
     centers．
 13）Physical education at school and in society（including sports）．
 14）Protection of cultural properties．
 15）UNESCO activities．
 16）Affairs related to educational foundations．
 17）Surveys，designated statistics，and other statisttics on education．
 18）Public relations re1ating to the affairs handled．
 19）Other duties related to education．

企画制作：全国高等学校国際教育研究協議会事務局