The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum as it may deem necessary for the support and maintenance of public evening schools in the several cities or towns of the state, to be apportioned by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education for the support of the schools as may be approved by the board; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders for the payment of the sum, or so much of the sum as shall be required, on vouchers approved by the department of elementary and secondary education.