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Big night for ECHS FFA
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Casey Wyman, left, prepares to hug Effingham County High School FFA advisor Pete Bennett as the FFA members saluted their three advisors, Bennett, CJ Satterfield and Dr. Freddie Waltz. Also applauding are Brittany Smith and Michael Zoller. - photo by Photo by Pat Donahue
The ECHS FFA held its annual banquet Tuesday night at the school and is marking 50 years as an organization this year. The event drew nearly 250 people.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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