The secretary of each board shall keep and preserve all records, books and papers belonging to the board. He shall keep a journal of the proceedings of the board, in which the ayes and noes on all questions shall be entered, if requested by any one member of the board. He shall prepare, under the direction of the board, all reports and estimates, and do and execute all such matters and things as belong to his office. Annually, in the month of August, he shall transmit to the department of higher education and workforce development the names of all those receiving diplomas with residences and dates of issue. The compensation of the secretary shall be fixed by the board, and shall in no case exceed fifty dollars per annum.