1006 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 506

shall they affect his eligibility for reappointment He may be
removed by the Board for immorality, misconduct in office, in-
subordination, incompetency, or wilful neglect of duty, upon
making known to him, in writing, the charges against him, and
upon giving him an opportunity of being heard in person or by
counsel, in his own defense, upon not less than ten days' notice.
In case of vacancy due to any cause, the state board of educa-
tion shall fill the vacancy, and the appointment shall be for
the unexpired term, and until a successor shall qualify.

19. The state superintendent of schools shall explain the
true intent and meaning of the school laws and of the enacted
and published by-laws of the state board of education. He
shall decide, without expense to the parties concerned, all con-
troversies and disputes, involving the proper administration
of the public school-system, and his decision shall be final. He
shall have authority to administer oaths and to examine under
oath, in any part of the State, witnesses in any matter pertain-
ing to the public schools, and to cause the examination to be
reduced to writing. Any person, who, having been sworn or
affirmed by him to tell the truth, and who wilfully gives false
testimony, shall be guilty of perjury.

19A. The state superintendent of schools shall enforce all
the provisions of this article and of the enacted and published
by-laws of the state board of education. He is empowered to
cause the State Comptroller, through written notification, to
withhold, in case of violation of any of the provisions of this
article or of the by-laws enacted and published by the state
board of education, any part or all of any appropriation made
by the General Assembly to any educational institution, or to
withhold any part or all of any payment or apportionment from
the general State school fund to county school boards.

19B. The state superintendent of schools shall execute the
educational policies of the state board of education. He shall
call and conduct conferences of county school boards, district
school trustees, county superintendents, supervisors, attend-
ance officers and teachers, on matters related to the condition,
needs and improvement of the schools. He shall prepare and
publish such pamphlets as will stimulate public interest, pro-
mote the work of education, and foster in teachers professional
insight and efficiency. He shall receive and examine all the
reports required under the rules and regulations of the state
board of education, and in person or through his assistants,