The department of education and the commissioner of education are vested with the following powers and duties respecting the consolidation of school systems:
(1) Formulate recommended policies and practices for conducting the consolidation programs;
(2) Develop suggested methods of procedure and a manual as guides for use by the planning commissions;
(3) Provide professional assistance in consolidation studies and development of consolidation proposals;
(4) Appraise reports of studies made by the planning commissions and examine plans for consolidation, recommending changes or modifications where deemed desirable; and
(5) Afford financial assistance that may be required by counties in effecting consolidation, within limits of funds available for such purposes.