The state board of regents may employ an agent to aid in the enforcement of law relative to the education of deaf or hard-of-hearing children and blind children. The agent shall seek out children who should be in attendance at the state schools but who are not, and require such attendance. The agent shall institute proceedings against persons who violate the provisions of said law. The agent shall be allowed compensation at a rate fixed by the board of regents, and necessary traveling and hotel expenses while away from home in the performance of duty.