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118 Montgomery Ala. Aug. 24th 67. Shorkly Lt Geo. Sub. Asst. Comm Selma, Ala Lieutenant. General Swayne having returned from Washington yesterday I am prepared this morning to answer the point raised in your communication with greater definiteness than at any previous moment The general policy pursued in regard to Schools will be the same as last year with such improvements as time and experience suggest. Two things will be arrived at, and every reasonable means used to attain them. 1st. A more complete and thorough organization and classification of our Schools. This will necessitate a higher standard of attainments in our teachers more care in the selection of them, and a more rigid accountability for the manner in which they conduct their schools. Preference will be given to teachers well acquainted with the modern [[?]] of instruction, and such as have had experience in the methods of teaching. It is believed that such teachers can be found, and as the prejudice against colored schools has given way to better feelings they will be willing to enter upon the work of teaching freedmen 2d. The cooperation of the colored people themselves will be insisted on. It is believed that in most years they will be able to bear one half of the expense of their schools. Preference will be given to such communities as show this willingness. To secure this cooperation the more 119 more fully and fairly, it is thought vest that, in every District where a school is located, there should be elected, from among the colored people, a School Board, composed of three intelligent freedmen, charged among other things with the responsibility of raising funds for the support of the school, and advising with the teachers and officers of the Bureau, regarding the management of the School. Upon this point, however, suggestions are invited as well as upon any other points which may occur to you. Regarding your own particular District, please have schools, which have been taught by Northern teachers remaining here during vacation, reopen Sept 1st, if they are ready to resume their labors. All others will not be opened till October 1st. In planning our work for the ensuing year, I shall be able to know in a few days what points will be occupied by sch facilities. I will then inform you of the result, and consult with you regarding parts unprovided for. Our work is necessarily assuming the proportions of a school system If, in the enlargement for the coming year, you are called upon more frequently than heretofore to contribute your services and counsels, be pleased to regard it as an Evidence of the satisfaction with which we contemplate your past labors. very Resplly Your obdt Sevt Supt of Education Collis Bv't Brig Genl John D. Sub Asst Comm'r - Huntsville. Ala Copy of above letter forwarded to-
