§  1709.  Powers  and duties of boards of education. The said board of education of every union free school district shall have power, and it shall be its duty:

1.  To  adopt  such by-laws and rules for its government as shall seem proper in the discharge of the duties required under the  provisions  of this chapter...

24. To provide transportation, home-teaching or  special  classes, as defined under sections forty-four hundred one and forty-four hundred two of  this  chapter for physically or mentally handicapped and delinquent children. Such transportation, home-teaching or  special  classes,  when provided  pursuant  to  this  subdivision,  shall be granted to all such children irrespective of the school they legally attend.