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Countys top spellers
Christian Andria
Christian Hodges, a fifth-grader at Sand Hill Elementary School, won the county spelling bee. Guyton Elementary fourth-grader Andria Hunter was the runner-up. - photo by Photo provided
Staff Report
Updated: Feb 10, 2015, 9:38 PM
Published: Feb 10, 2015, 9:42 PM

Christian Hodges is this year’s top speller in Effingham County.

Hodges, a fifth-grader at Sand Hill Elementary School, won the county spelling bee held last week at the Effingham College and Career Academy. He correctly spelled “herbivore” as his final word.

Guyton Elementary fourth-grader Andria Hunter was the runner-up.

The spelling bee winner from each elementary and middle school advanced to the county spelling bee. Participants ranged from fourth- to eighth-graders.
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)
Updated: Jun 20, 2025, 1:18 PM
Published: Jun 20, 2025, 12:51 PM
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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