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In conclusion I can say with confidence that though all has not been accomplished that could be wished, a lasting good has already been done. New buildings are every day being prepared, new schools being opened, a more thorough organization effected, County and town officials induced to take a more active interest in the work; and we shall heed the coming year with far better prospects than ever before.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Edwin Beecher
Supt of Education

State of Alabama
Bureau of Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Montgomery Ala January 5.1870

Rev I. W. Aleorde
General Supt of Schools
Washington D. C.
Sir;
I have the honor to submit the following semi-annual report for the six months ending December 31st 1869
I understand correctly the true condition of the colored schools in the state for the last six months it is necessary even at the risk of repeating what I may have before stated to give substantialy the laws in force governing schools; for although our attention is confined exclusively to schools for colored children, yet the schools for the different races are so blinded that it is impossible to report one fully without giving the law which govern both. It is necessary to understand these laws, for they have exerted and will continue to exert a very material influence on our efforts to educate the colored children
I venture then to repeat what I have referred to in former report - that by the Constitution of Alabama the educational 2 yr - term is placed under the control of what is [[?]] a "Board of Education. This Board processes, with certain limitations, legislative powers. Their acts are to be approved by the Governor and are to have the force and effect of law, unless repealed by the General Assembly". The first meeting of the Board for business was held on July 25th, 1868. During that session it
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was provided that the scholastic year should commence on the first Monday of October and close on the last Friday of June of each year. In August last at a meeting of said Board the scholastic year was changed as to commence January 1st and mid December 31st of each year, instead of as provided at the meeting of the Board in July 1868, At the close of the schools in June last, as such change was known to be contemplated. Many teachers made preparations to commence their schools again in October. When however this change became known, and it became certain that the public schools could not open until January, teachers who otherwise would have continued in the work had to seek other means of employment, they could not afford to be idle for so long a time, and the support they would receive from the parents of the children was so small that it would not justify their continuing.
This change of the law has produced in fact a vacation of six months instead of three, as was enforced as the close of the last scholastic year. Two exceptions however should be made to this statement. In some counties or districts the school funds had not for various reasons been expended. These schools were authorized to be continued after the 30th day of June. Again, although the scholastic year is now to commence January 1st, yet on account of the disappointment, it was [[?]] would be produced by the change; authority was given to County Superintendent to commence the school this year prior to January 1st. I have heard of advantages being taken of this funding only in those counties. The result has been that a large majority of the schools which have been in operation during the time included in this report have been dependent without assistance from the State. They have been supported by the Colored people, aided by the very limited assistance we are able to given them.
As I before reported, last year the public funds fell far short of what was expected. Teachers had been employed in many places and they taught under the expectations of receiving their pay from the public funds. For a part of their services they are as yet without any remuneration; and it has, to some extent, caused a prejudice against the school system. Efforts are being made at the present session of the legislature to provide means for paying these just claims, but the result is yet in doubt.
During the month of July, August and September the schools are not expected to be largely attended; indeed efforts are seldom made to keep open schools in July & August. Where any are taught during these months they form the exception and not the rule. From September until late in November our rural population is largely engaged in picking