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CLA gets lesson in leadership
09.11 CLA-Rice
From left to right are Darren Thomas, Larry Spradley, Cody Warnock, Danielle Paulk, Aaron Willis, Landon Snooks, Richie Socia, Hannah Steese and Emily Woods. Also in attendance with the group (not pictured): Peggy Smith, Schel Paulk and Gail Paulk. - photo by Photo provided
The Effingham YMCA Christian Leadership Academy participants had a rare opportunity to travel to Statesboro and hear former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speak at Georgia Southern University.  Their volunteer advisor, Dr. Darren Thomas, submitted a question online prior to the event and his question was selected and answered by Rice during her speech. A video clip of the question is on the Christian Leadership Academy page on Facebook.
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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