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Central Learning students receive books, encouragement to read
Book cheer 1
The Effingham County Cheerleaders perform a cheer to encourage the younger students to read. - photo by Photo by Sandi Van Orden

The first distribution of books to pre school students was made at the Central Learning Center Monday.

Students from CLC and Marlow Learning Center will receive three free books during the year due to funding from Reading is Fundamental and Capitol One.

The night began with cheers from the Effingham County High School competition cheerleaders and a demonstration of what the cheerleaders must demonstrate during competitions.

Cheerleading advisor Katie Ward told the CLC students that in order to participate in cheerleading, or any other extracurricular activity, students must maintain high grades.

The students then broke into groups to have the cheerleaders read to them, chose a book to take home, read the book they chose and ate dinner.

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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