"In May 1946, twelve Lay-Professional Councils were formed on a statewide basis for the purpose of studying New Hampshire's schools and advising on their program. The state was divided into twelve areas and small committees led by school superintendents in each area were asked to select for membership twelve lay people, twelve local school board members, and twelve professional people who have shown interest in New Hampshire's educational welfare ... During the first eight months these 432 people and hundreds of invited guests studied the educational situation in New Hampshire. The work was concentrated on purposes and curriculum of elementary, secondary, adult, higher, and vocational education in the state; policies on cooperation among school districts; policies on the extension of the public school program below the first grade and above the twelfth; policies on finance; and the responsibility of local, state and federal agencies for the welfare of the educational system of the state"--Foreword.