What happened after the number of public schools in the south begin to grow?

As the number of public schools in the South began to grow, educational access improved for many children, particularly during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. This expansion aimed to provide education to both white and Black students, although systemic inequalities and segregation persisted. Increased literacy rates and education levels contributed to social and economic changes, fostering a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards education and progress. However, these advancements were often met with resistance, leading to ongoing struggles over educational equity.