What happened as he number of public schools in the south began to grow?

As the number of public schools in the South began to grow, access to education increased for many children, particularly in rural areas. This expansion aimed to reduce illiteracy and provide a more educated workforce. However, it also highlighted disparities, as African American students often faced significant inequities in funding and resources compared to their white counterparts. The growth of public schools contributed to the ongoing debates about educational equality and civil rights in the region.