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NORTH ATTLEBORO - School officials have turned over to the town documents pertaining to the "Afghans" painting as selectmen begin their own investigation into who has the final authority over the Russian masterpiece.

Superintendent Rick Smith said he sent the documents to Town Counsel Roger Ferris on Friday.

They include minutes of the meeting that show W. Charles Thompson donated the Alexandre Iacovleff painting to the school department in 1951. Thompson personally hung the painting in the auditorium of what is now the Community School.

The 7-foot by 10-foot painting was removed earlier this month after school officials learned it could sell at auction for more than $1 million.

The school department has voted to sell the painting, but selectmen must also approve the sale. The school department already has reviewed the few documents in its possession, but selectmen launched their own investigation into the painting on Friday.

"A subcommittee was established by selectmen with the goal of confirming ownership of the painting," Smith said. "It makes sense that would have to be completed before a vote on the sale of the painting."

In the meantime, the school department has begun advertising for auction houses to handle the sale of the painting, should selectmen agree that "Afghans" should be sold.

"We are seeking the services of an auction house that has worldwide influence - and in Russia, in particular - and a proven track record of selling major pieces of Russian art within the last two to three years," Smith said. "We are also requiring the auction house to supply a full-size duplicate of the existing painting."

The advertisement will appear in The Sun Chronicle, The Boston Globe and the statewide Goods and Services Bulletin.

While Smith said that there are no major art auction houses in the immediate area, he said state procurement law requires the school department to advertise in a local newspaper.

He said, however, that art auction houses are well aware of the town's interest in finding a company interested in selling the painting.

"The major auction houses are attentive to what is happening in relation to this painting," Smith said. "Sotheby's and Christie's are aware of what's happening, and I suspect that Bonham's is aware, as well."

Bids are are due at the school department on March 12 and Smith expects that a winning bidder will be selected that week. Once a contract is accepted by the school committee, it will be presented to selectmen for a final review.

"The school committee acknowledges and completely accepts that the painting cannot and will not be sold without approval from the board of selectmen," Smith said.