Applications for admission into the school shall be made to the education department in such manner as it may direct, but the department shall require each such application to be accompanied by a certificate from the county judge or county clerk of the county, or the supervisor or town clerk of the town, or the mayor of the city, where the applicant resides, setting forth that the applicant is a legal resident of the town, county and state claimed as his residence.
N.Y. Educ. Law § 4310