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ECHS goes all out for safe prom
ghost out 1
Some ECHS students took part in a "ghost out." - photo by Photo provided

The week before prom, Effingham County High School junior class officers began promoting safe prom by taking cards to local florists and tuxedo rental shops with a poem, “The decisions you make on prom night can change your life. So party responsibly and take care of yourself and your friends.” Flyers with the same message were printed and distributed on students’ cars the night of prom.

Shops participating were Gregory’s Florist, JoAnne’s Florist, Ever After Bridal store, New Life Florist and Curiosity Shop.

Students also participated in a ghost-out, where a student is pulled out of class, has their face painted and returns to class but cannot talk for the remainder of the day, representing what it would be like if that person were no longer living.

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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