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ECHS hosts College Night
10.02 ECHS college night
During College Night at ECHS, counselor Claudette Gillespie uses the media center to assist a student and parent in establishing an electronic GACollege411account. - photo by Photo provided

East Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Armstrong Atlantic State University and Ogeechee Technical College representatives were all on hand on Sept. 27 to give ECHS students first hand information about college applications and admissions. Several branches of the military also were present to discuss college options and planning for military careers.

Students and parents were able to establish GACollege411 accounts and to apply for FAFSA PIN numbers and register with the Selective Service during the computer lab time. Students and parents enjoyed refreshments prepared by ECHS faculty as they perused other exhibits on HOPE GPA estimation, financial aid, writing the college essay and testing (ACT, SAT and Compass).

Students could apply to college and have their transcript printed on the spot. The evening’s events were coordinated by the ECHS Counseling Department assisted by staff members.

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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