What notable change occurred during Lester Maddox's governorship regarding educational funding?

During Lester Maddox's governorship from 1967 to 1971, there was a significant shift in the approach to educational funding in Georgia. The correct answer points to increased funding for education, which marked a pivotal moment in the state's commitment to improving its education system. This funding was aimed at addressing the needs of public schools and enhancing the quality of educational resources available to students.

Maddox's administration recognized the importance of education in promoting social and economic development, particularly during a time when the state was grappling with issues related to civil rights and access to education. By boosting funding, the administration sought to improve facilities, hire qualified teachers, and provide better educational materials, which were crucial to the educational advancement of the population.

The other options do not reflect the historical context of Maddox's policies during his time in office. For instance, funding cuts would contradict the initiatives aimed at improvement, while the elimination of higher education institutions and the implementation of statewide tuition fees did not take place during his governorship. Instead, the focus was on enhancing and stabilizing funding to ensure that all students had access to quality education.